Fingers crossed

By Creature

The Washington Post today breaks down the peace agreement signed between the government of Sudan and the biggest Darfur rebel faction. The Post gives the United States, and Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick, credit for the final push that brought these parties to agree after "three days and nights of almost continuous negotiations." Not all of the rebel factions signed onto the deal, but it is hoped "the momentum generated by the agreement would persuade doubters to eventually sign on." The peace plan is described as "complex" and the experts on Darfur are understandably "divided on the prospects for success."

Overall this must be treated as good news. And, if credit is due to the White House for pushing the parties together, then, yes, I give the White House credit. However, here is my problem, and it's typical of a Bush administration solution. It's possible that the treaty signed is all pomp and no circumstance.

"This is a feel-good agreement for the West," said Ted Dagne, a specialist in African affairs at the Congressional Research Service.

I hope this is not the case. I also hope that the signing of an agreement does not mean the world will once again put Darfur out of mind. Progress has been made. Let's keep an eye out. Let's keep the pressure on. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Read more.

(Cross-posted at State of the Day.)