Questions For the Candidates on Sudan

  1. What would you do to end the genocide in Darfur?
  2. Do you think the US’s policy towards Sudan should be primarily handled as a humanitarian crisis (as has the current administration)?  Or does Sudan have regional and global implications for US foreign policy?
  3. Should the US deal with the Government of Sudan by segmenting Darfur, Southern Sudan, Nubia, etc as separate and isolated matters, or with Sudan as a whole?
  4. Would the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement be a priority for their foreign policy?  If so, what would you do to coerce the Government of Sudan to abide by the CPA?
  5. Do you support legislation and foreign policy that would help bring an end to the practice of slavery in Sudan?
  1. Do you believe that the parties responsible for crimes against humanity in Darfur, and elsewhere in Sudan should be held responsible by the International Criminal Court?

Talking Points

Ø       The problem is not Darfur.  The problem is the Government of Sudan. 

Ø       We appreciate those who have stood up to “Save Darfur” but the US and the world need to rally to “Save Sudan”.

Ø       The ruling cliques in Sudan have maintained power by divide and conquer. 

Ø       Marginalized Sudanese constitute 70% of the population, and through democratic and peaceful processes can in time replace the government.

Ø       The Government of Sudan has principally sought to divide Muslims and Christians.  Sudanese Muslims and Christians are increasingly standing united, realizing they are not enemies, and that the problem is the Government not their religious differences.  The key to Sudan’s future is reconciliation.

Ø       President Omer Al Bashir is currently calling for Muslims in the North to prepare for Jihad against the largely Christian South.  Sudanese Muslims and Christians in the US are heroically standing together in solidarity in opposition to the call to prepare for Jihad – the press conference and rally on January 1, 2008 is a demonstration of that solidarity.  

Ø       An asset in reconciliation are the quarter of a million Sudanese who have learned here in the US that Christians and Muslims can live in peace, and justice through a democratic government.  They want to take this vision and reconciliation back to Sudan.

Ø       Sudan has a good peace accord between the North and the South, but the US, both politicians and people, and the international community, must compel the Government of Sudan to abide by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.  It is much easier, and less costly, to maintain the peace, than to try to end a war.

Ø       If the CPA breaks down, the resulting war will make the genocide in Darfur pale in comparison.

Ø       The US’s foreign policy has sought to deal with Southern Sudan, and Darfur as separate issues.  Sudan needs to be dealt with as a whole, and the US policy needs to view Sudan as a whole, and do things that contribute to the reconciliation of the people of Sudan.