Daily Darfur: On Rebels, Courts, and Clooney

Q: What's a sure fire way to completely undercut a "goodwill agreement" and prospects for a ceasefire?

A: Tell reporters that you plan to redouble efforts to topple your opponent.

Khalil Ibrahim, the leader of the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement, threw his hat into the spoiler's ring yesterday --- after Khartoum did its own bit to thwart goodwill last week (nothing says peace like unleashing your Antonov bombers) --- by threatening to intensify his insurgency against Khartoum if the regime fails to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Not helpful, Khalil. Seriously.

Ibrahim told The Times (UK):

"The [Sudanese] Government is unpredictable.  They never honour any agreement they sign."

Valid. But threatening intensified violence that you know will come at the expense of your own people doesn't do much to establish your own credibility, either.

ICC Finally Ends Months of Speculation...

The ICC announced yesterday that it will issue its decision on the indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on March 4 --- finally putting an end to the rumor mill of speculation on when the warrant would finally be/not be issued.

Mark at UN Dispatch weighed in on the news:

"Now that the court has set a firm date, look out for reprisals on internationals in Darfur. The Sudanese government is widely expected to disrupt on-going UN humanitarian and peacekeeping work Darfur in response to the arrest warrant. Those of us who have been championing ICC action in Darfur should understand that the pursuit of justice may come at the expense of near-term humanitarian concerns. That said, over the long run the court can be a useful tool and help create the conditions in which a lasting peace can take hold."

George Clooney Shines his Spotlight on Darfur

George Clooney continues his activist tour this week, taking no time to recover from jet lag from last week's trip to Darfur before heading straight to the White House.

And he didn't stop there. On "Larry King Live" last night, Clooney described the dismal daily reality of Darfur's refugee and internally displaced persons (IDPs):

"I think somehow we should all know that these people are hanging on by the skin of their teeth."

He also said that he urged President Obama and Vice President Biden to appoint a special envoy for Darfur and pressure China, Egypt, the African Union (AU), and Europe to strengthen their diplomatic efforts to reign in the violence in Sudan:

"This isn't about needing American dollars," Clooney said of the push for peace in Darfur. "I understand that it's a very difficult time. It's not about needing American troops. It's about needing what we do best -- what we have done best since the start of this country -- which is good, robust diplomacy all across the world."

Clooney told reporters that Obama confirmed plans to appoint an envoy, which has been one of the primary asks of Darfur activists and policy wonks. (Would be nice if he'd get the lead out and appoint someone, already.)

Nick Kristof posted a blog yesterday on the UN's last-minute decision to pull Clooney's security escort while in eastern Chad, which Kristof wrote about last week. Apparently, they've launched an investigation:

"The U.N. says it is looking into my statement, in Thursday's column, that officials cut off security for George Clooney for fear that he would criticize genocide. For example, officials apparently are trying to find out which U.N. official called me to say that they were pulling Clooney's security escort; evidently they're not trying very hard, since no one asked me."

Kristof gives a full account of the incident, and criticizes the UN for its cowardice:

"But what irks me is that the U.N. pulled the plug on Clooney's security because it was afraid that he would criticize President Bashir for committing genocide. In fact, the most powerful tool the U.N. truly has is the bully pulpit, but it is often too craven to use that tool. And if the U.N. tries to muzzle its own goodwill ambassador, and won't even try to protect him, then it's not surprising that the international community hasn't been able to muster the gumption to protect millions of Darfuris and displaced Chadians."

Other items of note...

The South Florida Sun Sentinel features a profile of 17-year-old STAND activist Allie Klionsky.

Bashir apparently discussed peace and reconciliation for Sudan with the president of Egypt yesterday...apparently not getting the memo that reconciliation requires talking with those with whom you hope to reconcile with. (And, preferably, not bombing them.)

[Photos: Fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in Sudan's Western Darfur region (top); George Clooney meets with Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday (bottom).]