George Clooney spurs effort to prevent war in Sudan

Sudan is a dysfunctional country with a north led primarily by Islamic fundamentalists and a south with a predominantly Christian population that believes its oil wealth is being siphoned off by the north. Although the north / south conflict is viewed as a potentially imminent civil war, due to the religious factors (and the oil...ugh) involved there is a possibility of regional countries becoming involved.

The U.S. Secretary of State has called the situation in Sudan a "ticking time bomb." The CIA has reported that "mass killing or genocide is most likely to occur in Southern Sudan." President Obama believes "the stakes are enormous."

We NOW have a brief window of opportunity to achieve something that has rarely been done: prevent a war before it occurs. If the international community is too hesitant or too late in its efforts, however, as was the case in Darfur, then hundreds of thousands may perish. The most recent war between the North and South in Sudan was ended by a U.S.-led peace process, but not before two and a half million men, women, and children died in the travesty.

On January 9th, Southern Sudan will go to the polls for a vote for regarding independence. Sudan as a whole is currently led by an indicted war criminal, Omar al-Bashir. As the New Year approaches, both northern and southern Sudan are preparing for war, leaving civilians at grave risk of major human rights violations, and loss of life.

George Clooney and John Pendergrast are spearheading an effort to have regular people ask President Obama and the USA Government to lead a diplomatic effort to prevent bloodshed in Sudan, and this campaign deserves all our support. Canadians should also contact our government asking them to help prevent war in Sudan also.

George Clooney website against war in Sudan