How Not to Treat A Diplomat

Condoleeza Rice's visit with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir was marred by her entourage and reporters being roughed up by Sundanese security. In fact, the gate was slammed shut before three cars with her staff could get into the compound. Rice senior adviser Jim Wilkinson was in one the cars that was intially denied entry. His troubles didn't end there. Once inside the compound he was manhandled and eventually shoved against a wall. The reporters who were there were also roughly treated once they started asking questions and were forced to the back of the room.

Rice rightfully demanded an apology and recieved one from the Sudanese Foreign Minister and the Sudanese ambassador in Washington extended one also.

Rice also went to the Abu Shouk refugee camp and spoke loudly and plainly that what is happening in Darfur is a clear case of genocide. She spoke with refugees directly. el-Bashir had asked for sanctions to be lifted and Rice said the sanctions on rail and airlines may be considered for purley humanitarian reasons. Rice said that African Union are helping to stop the atrocities and the US is making a difference in relieving the refugee crisis. Yahoo News

Secretary Rice demands respect for herself and her staff and gets it. When she sees something wrong, she loudly and clearly states her objections. Unlike the UN, she is unequivocal in her denouncement of the Sudanese governments genocide campaign. I am glad to see that she isn't letting el-Bashir and and his government get away from their actions against the people of Darfur. It clearly is a case of genocide and the Sudanese government can make all the claims it wants, but it's soldiers have been set looses to wipe a people of the face of the earth.