Daily Darfur: Nothing is Ever as Straightforward as it Seems

by Michelle . · 2009-04-29 04:17:00 UTC
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The Sudan Tribune interprets remarks by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir as "downplaying the strength of his country's relations with Egypt," despite the fact that Egypt was the second country to receive Bashir on his post-ICC arrest warrant world tour.

Bashir's remarks are hardly inflammatory, but do reveal lean away from Egypt --- and towards Qatar --- on a couple of controversial cleavages in the Arab League. (See the article for more detail.)

In other interesting news out of an Arab League member state: An audience of 350, participating in the "Doha Debates" TV show in Qatar, agreed that Bashir should be handed over to the ICC to stand trial for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur:

A 350-strong audience voted 55 to 45 percent in favour of a motion: 'This House believes Arab states should hand over the Sudanese President to the International Criminal Court'.

The vote came just three weeks after the Arab League rejected the ICC's arrest warrant, issued on March 4, against al-Bashir for "international war crimes" and "crimes against humanity".

The show brings together four speakers to debate controversial issues; after the speakers present their case, take questions from the moderator, and debate amongst themselves, the audience (mainly students in Qatar) votes. It is worth noting, however, that the show is broadcast by the BBC, but financed seperately:

"Although the Debates are financed by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, no government, official body or broadcaster has any control over what is said at the sessions or who is invited."

So while the show's results cannot be used as a barometer of popular opinion, it is interesting to see the contrarian view to the strong and seemingly unequivocal support for Bashir by Arab League officials.

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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