World Calls on Bush to Help Darfur

Where is the Peacekeeping Machine for Darfur?

A UN Gazelle helicopter

(DARFUR) - Right now, this peacekeeping mission does not have any of the 24 helicopters it needs to protect the people of Darfur. Advocates say President Bush must do everything in his power to secure commitments from world leaders.

A hybrid United Nations-African Union command officially took control of the peacekeeping mission for Darfur. But people on the ground there say the mission is already in danger of failing. While countless billions are used in the fight against Iraq, this African nation slides further into the abyss, needing only a few helicopters, of which thousands and thousands in the U.S. sit unused.

Few new peacekeepers have actually been deployed because of obstructions by the Sudanese regime, and it appears that world leaders aren't providing critical equipment essential to the peacekeepers' success.

In a region as vast as Darfur, helicopters are essential for the peacekeeping effort. This effort cannot succeed without helicopters for transport, reconnaissance, and security.

Countries in NATO collectively have 18,000 helicopters, and many other nations have the capacity to contribute as well. But no one has yet contributed any to the U.N.-A.U. peacekeeping mission.

World leaders are failing to match their words with actions and are turning away from genocide. Again, these advocates for Darfur are calling on President Bush and other world leaders to help them achieve a degree of support and relief in this war torn region of Africa.

President Bush must further his commitment to Darfur and press other nations to step up to the plate and follow through on their commitments.