Sudan: Weaknesses Exposed in Darfur Peacekeeping Force
Blake Evans
January 24, 2008
Inter Press Service
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801250005.html

Summary: This article was about the UNAMID's (U.N.-African Union alliance) peacemaking methods and flaws. There are a lot of problems that they're having with their plan. For example, they requested 24 helicopters in Sudan, six of which would've been attack choppers. No helicopters that were operable were found in Darfur. Also, there were supposed to be 26,000 troops in Sudan, but that goal hasn't been reached. The problem is that they're only excepting troops from African countries, so it's hard to get a number like that in a short time. However, although they're still many troops short of reaching the goal, they are making a effort to work towards that amount. Egypt has 1,200 and Rwanda has offered 800 troops. The Sudanese government also refused to accept the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) without some provisions. However, these provisions were not excepted by the UNAMID, so the SOFA was not agreed on, and the UNAMID feels it necessary for the continuation of peacemaking. The UNAMID's progress has been little, but eventually, their plan for peace will hopefully be fully carried out, and the genocide in Darfur will come to an end.

Reactions:
A) This article relates to State-building, expansion, and conflict. This is because the UNAMID is working to in a sense 'rebuild' Darfur, and bring it back to a peaceful state. Also, because of the conflict in Darfur and between the Sudanese government, and the UNAMID.
B) There's been a mass genocide in Darfur, Sudan going on for a couple of years. The UNAMID is now trying to bring peace to Darfur, but having a little trouble.
C) This article was written by a man named Blake Evans, who is African. He isn't, however actually involved in Darfur and it's situation, so he might not see everything form every one's point of view, but he does know a lot about the issue.
D) The author of this article has some what of an opinion. He seems to exaggerate the flaws of the UMAMID because he makes it seem like they're not doing anything. Although, he does mention that not all of it is their fault, so there are very few if any signs of bias in this article.
E) I would like to hear from someone within the UNAMID. They could fully explain their progress n Darfur, and anything they've done for people. I'd also like to hear from someone in the Sudanese government from their point of view, and know why they're not being as cooperative with the UNAMID as they should be.
F) Personally, I don't think they're doing enough to help Darfur. There are people dying there for no reason, and they have been dying for years, but help has only come too recently. If help would've gotten there sooner, there would probably be a lot less deaths, and a lot less grief. Someone should have stopped this sooner, but it's a good thing the finally did start to do something, and I just hope it's all over soon.