The Inside Story Of How The U.S. Acted To Prevent Another Rwanda

[BrentWil]

This is an amazing story. Not sure what it means for US intervention, but amazing.

http://thinkprogress.org/security/2013/12/20/3054321/inside-story-acted-prevent-rwanda/

The Central African Republic had finally exploded. After months of signs that the country was a powder keg, with dire warnings of impending doom from the United Nations and human rights observers, outright clashes ignited the capital, Bangui, in early December. Hundreds were killed. Thousands more fled their homes, those who had not already done so in the eight months since the crisis first began. For a period, it looked as though the world was preparing to sit idly by yet again as another mass atrocity was perpetrated on the continent of Africa.

Two days later, it was like a switch had been thrown. The president of the United States asked for the people of the CAR for calm, speaking to them directly through the Internet and radio. The president shook $100 million loose from the federal budget, to purchase much-needed supplies to the African peacekeepers struggling to stem the killing and airlift in reinforcements. And on Thursday, Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, announced yet another $15 million in humanitarian aid and the pending presence of U.S. military advisers to assist the African Union’s forces in restoring peace.

[GoCubsGo]

1. Thank you!

This story isn't getting anywhere near the attention that it deserves. I only know about it via Think Progress, Mother Jones, and some of the liberal talk radio hosts.

[tridim]

2. No war, no attention. American media hates peace.

[Cha]

3. Thank you President Obama and thank

you, BrentWil

[freshwest]

6. +1

[Cha]

7. Kick!...

fresh~

[SidDithers]

4. "Obama invades Africa!!"...nt

Sid

[freshwest]

8. But we're at war with Syria. We've always been at war with Syria. And Libya. Besides...

Well, 3 out of 4 wrong ain't bad, huh?

[arely staircase]

5. I am not even going to bother checking

But I am gussing since this has included protecticg muslims from Christian mititias (and the otherway around too) the crazy of the crazy have called the an obama genocide of christians. I don't even have to look.

[freshwest]

9. Obama's words directly to the people there:

President Obama's Message to the People of the Central African Republic

by Grant T. Harris - December 09, 2013

In recent weeks, government affiliated armed groups and independent “self-defense” militias have committed shocking and horrific atrocities against innocent civilians in the Central African Republic. The United States is actively supporting the international community’s efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, prevent atrocities, provide humanitarian assistance, and help create an environment that allows constitutional and democratic governance to be restored.

In an audio message taped in Dakar, Senegal, today, President Obama sent a clear and important message to the people of the Central African Republic: that they should reject the violence currently threatening their country, and move together toward a future of security, dignity, and peace.

Transcript:

Mbi bala ala kouè. This is President Barack Obama, and today I want to speak directly to you—the people of the Central African Republic.

I know that in your lives you have faced great hardship. But I also know that you’ve lived together in peace—as diverse and vibrant communities, Christian and Muslim. Together, you celebrate a proud history and a land of extraordinary beauty. Together, you emerged from colonialism and achieved independence. Together, you realize that we are all children of God and that—whatever our faith—we all deserve to live in peace and dignity.

But the awful violence of recent days threatens the country you love. Innocent men, women and children have been killed. Families have fled their homes. And we know from the bitter experience of other countries what happens when societies descend into violence and retribution. Today, my message to you is simple: it doesn’t have to be this way. You—the proud citizens of the Central African Republic—have the power to choose a different path.

Respected leaders in your communities—Muslim and Christian—are calling for calm and peace. I call on the transitional government to join these voices and to arrest those who are committing crimes. Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable—in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians.

Most of all, every citizen of the Central African Republic can show the courage that’s needed right now. You can show your love for your country by rejecting the violence that would tear it apart. You can choose peace. You can choose to live up to the rule that is at the heart of all great faiths— that we treat other people the way we want to be treated ourselves.

That is how we honor our faiths. That is how reconciliation occurs. That’s how the Central African Republic can move forward—and return to a better path, toward a future where you and your fellow citizens can seek the security and dignity and peace you deserve.

Singuila.



I love it when I wake up in the morning and Barack Obama is President!

[stevenleser]

10. K&R & Bookmarked nt