The Economist
However, there is also evidence of a greater firmness in the West’s dealings with Sudan. America passed a round of sanctions against the country in May, and the new governments in France and Britain are also making a difference. In particular, the hyperactive administration of Nicolas Sarkozy has injected some extra energy into the West’s dealings with Sudan. France is an important player because it is the only Western country with any military capacity in the area, a legacy of its colonial rule in Chad.
I know of Sarkozy's disagreenent with the war in Iraq, but at least it looks like he might have the guts to do something about Darfur, even possibly including the use of military force to keep the IDP's and refugees safe from the Sudanese military. I just find it interesting that it's France that's pushing for action. However, I hope they realize that they're the ones best equipped to deal with the situation. As is mentioned in the article, they have a strong military presense in the area, due to their colonial legacy in Chad.
It would be nice to see something get done with the situation, and hopefully teach the general peaceniks of France that if they want something done that they truly believe in, then they should do it themselves. They could at least learn that from the US.
