The Tabloids Have Apologised to Kate and Gerry McCann:  Who will apologise to Sudan!

What the papers don’t say about Sudan, is that it has a National Unity Government which is based on a Transitional Constitution that guarantees freedom of the press as well as the right to organise in Political Parties and Trade Unions.  This came about as a result of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) of 2005 which put an end to a destructive civil war.  That agreement was partly brokered by the USA, the UK and other countries who deserve praise for their efforts.

The Sudan is confident on the route of pluralism and general elections (due next year) and is encouraged by examples of honest impartial professional reporting in Western Media.

The Voice of America (no less) has posted a report by its Khartoum correspondent (20 March) stating that: “the economy in Sudan is booming, despite US sanctions and the fact that many Western nations believe that this is a country where investment is too risky.  The Economist Intelligence Unit has estimated a 10.3% growth in GDP in Sudan this year.”

The chorus of media manipulators who fan the flames of insurgency in Darfur will be dismayed to read what The Economist has reported from El Fasher in Darfur (15 March) about so-called rebels;” A big obstacle is the splintering of the rebels into a confusion of factions, often for reasons of personal rivalry.  One frustrated UN negotiator says that many of the former freedom fighters are now just opportunists – and have managed to make even the Sudanese government look constructive.”

Freedom of the press is as we well know a two-edged sword (witness the apology to Kate and Gerry McCann).  There is now a most illogical campaign against the economic boom in Sudan and against Merowe Dam and Kajbar Dam.  The fact that controversy about dams is worldwide and that it is inseparable from the need for energy (wind, air, nuclear or hydroelectric) is conveniently forgotten.  Sudan is treated as if it is the main culprit in the creation of global warming and the destruction of the environment!

Other enemies of the successful economic boom in Sudan go to the extent of calling for an attack on the country.  An International Herald Tribune article (26 March 08) by a Mr. Mark Helprin calls for a cordon sanitaire against Sudan, dismembering it, destroying its army, targeting: “its telecommunications exchanges and microwave towers; its dozen small naval vessels, its aircraft, runways, munitions, military headquarters, logistical stores, security ministries and presidential residences.”  All to be completed in a few days.  In other words, a repetition of the invasion of Iraq!

What the IHT does not say to its readers is what the writer tells us on his website  that he is not a neutral do-gooder who is moved by the tragedy of the displaced in Darfur.  He has served in both the Israeli infantry and the Israeli air force. 
Freedom of the Press in the West is admirable.  Its best examples are a model for Sudan to emulate;  but it has another sinister face!