UNAMID Mandate
Military Personnel - 19,555
Police Officers - 3,772
Civilians - 5,105
Current AU Forces
Military Personnel - 7,000
Police Officers - 1,200
UNAMID's commander Gen. Martin Luther Agwai said that only 1/3 of UNAMID forces would be on the ground January 1st. Forcing the besieged AU to hold off for the next several months.
China has already sent 100+ engineers over, but it appears their equipment won't make it over for another couple of months.
The force has continually stressed that in order to ensure the protection of NGO's, aid, and people 24 helicopters are needed. Amazingly not a single country in the UN can find even one helicopter to give to the force they committed to back.
In 1994 Lt. General Romeo Dallaire commander of UN forces in Rwanda (UNAMIR) requested to have just one plane fly over the country to monitor the ground situation. No one could find a plane. They ate month old rations and weren't supplied the fuel to put into their trucks. The Bangladeshi contingent was forbidden by Dhaka to fight and the Belgians couldn't be sent in the streets for too long before the formerly colonized Rwandans would turn against them.
Darfur's situation seems more stable and the AU troops have more leeway in engagement than UNAMIR did. I find it hard to believe that not a single UN nation can spare one of the 24 helicopters needed. I recall a post by Phil of the Pacific commenting on New Zealand's mothballing air force. Surely someone has some helicopters around.
The people of Darfur are getting a shell of a promise. Just as in previous UN peacekeeping efforts the people of a war torn region will put their trust and faith in the blue helmets only to find out that they don't have the resources to help. The Western nations original commitment has eased the pressure on them to do something about Darfur. It's easy for a legislature to create an agency or pass a bill, but seldom is the press watching when it comes to how the agency is run and its effectiveness. The pressure has been off of the West's carrying through with their commitment.
Criticizing the UN force for any failures would be a mistake. Given the rules of engagement and insufficient supplies the UN forces do heroic feats. The courage of men who can stand surrounded by armed mobs and refuse to open fire or lose sight of the task at hand is incredible. Any failure is clearly the fault of the UN nations who have the resources and capability yet come up short.
8 comments:
Jason bear with me. This is OT but the appropiate thread 'Nativity Scene on Capitol Grounds' is dead and I wanted to hear any response you might have.
Jason said;
"It is clearly the state who has allowed its placement"
I believe that perspective is verbal semantics posing as an arguement.
The state neither allowed nor disallowed the placement. Their is no law here promoting a religeon. The ability to challenge the placement proves that. It was Christians celebrating as they have always done since they created this nation. It is only an offence or problem if you wish to 'denormalize' our national beleifs for, ...? Not nuff room here for that, not to mention it would seem off topic for the adversaries of American tradition and culture. lol
The freedom and tolerance we embrace and share have made welcome to idealogical and political enemies from afar as well as home grown.
The key is what 'is' (we all learned from Clinton what 'is' means. lol) 'What is the defination of 'tolerance' as opposed to 'intolerance'. Some serious deceit going on in the use of those words and by a specefic political party. In fact those words are the battle cry of the Left.
Revisiting the dictionary with an open mind can help.
It is clear that the state allowed for its placement. How is it the state supporting one religion over another? I believe it's clear that Governor Beebe would not allow anyone to display their personal beliefs on the capitol grounds at a given time. He only allowed a display by what he considered to be a good religion and a good holiday. Well Governor, what is or is not a reputable religion isn't up to you.
There might be a free speech issue at hand, but this wasn't a rally, this is something that is erected on state property and left to stand for several weeks. Unless the capitol grounds start allowing homeless people to set up camp on the capitol lawn then I think the nativity should go.
Once again, the offense is to the Contitution and to people who believe in the Constitution the way the courts and not certain members of the public have decided.
Your argument that the founding father's christian principles supports the display of the nativity is insane. Most Americans didn't didn't celebrate Christmas at the time of our founding. The celebrating was seen as a blight on Christianity. So please don't say that Christians in America have been celebrating Christmas since its inception...
I do see your point although I disagree. But;
"Your argument that the founding father's christian principles supports the display of the nativity is insane."
I may need a lesson in history but 'insane' was a 'lil' harsh. lol
Doan worry I like hars language. Use it myself. It shows passion and stresses passion.
Am no Christian but understand spewing the luke warm outta my mouth.
Suppose I should tone down the insane part. :)
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