Candidates United on Sudan

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Lefty Scaevola
The Shahara desert has been expanding for several MILLENIA, long before the the centruy and a half of the industrial era.

Not at the rate it is currently, not so rapidly in a few years that it would drive an entire people from their homes all at once.

[Arrian]

Look, whether or not the desertification is natural, caused by humans or a bit of both, it's happening, right? And that could be the proximate cause of the conflict, right?

Ok, then. Whaddya DO about it?

-Arrian

[chequita guevara]

Excellent point.

[BeBMan]

"Candidates United on Sudan" makes a good title for something. Like a boy band or so.

[Felch]

Originally posted by Arrian
Look, whether or not the desertification is natural, caused by humans or a bit of both, it's happening, right? And that could be the proximate cause of the conflict, right?

Ok, then. Whaddya DO about it?

-Arrian

Exactly, what do you do about it?

I'm curious what solution is available. Everybody says we should do "something" but nobody has a clear plan. The problem with "something" is that there will be unintended consequences.

[BeBMan]

[SIZE=1] Originally posted by Riesstiu IV
Edited out for the obvious reasons. and previous post removed. RAH

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Arrian
Explain, precisely, what you mean by "putting pressure on China." What exact measures? What leverage do we really have?



Sounds nice. What's your plan, and what are the potential consequences?

-Arrian

Well, we support there economy so it shouldn't be too hard if we are determined. Probably boycotting the olympics would be effective though. There's already been a private movement in that direction and it's had some effect already.

[Arrian]

It's a symbotic relationship. We may "support their economy" but they own a good chunk of our currency. I don't think we have the upper hand wrt trade. We're in no position to dictate to them. If we want to trigger a depression, we could start a trade war with them, though. I'll grant that such action would certainly show determination on our part.

As for the Olympics... ok.

-Arrian

[Felch]

Originally posted by Kidicious
Well, we support there economy so it shouldn't be too hard if we are determined.

Arrian is right, it's a give-take symbiotic relationship.

Probably boycotting the olympics would be effective though. There's already been a private movement in that direction and it's had some effect already.

That would only serve to stir up nationalist sentiment in China. They take it very seriously when their national pride is offended. In the end, it won't stop them from doing what they're doing in Sudan - it will only serve to piss off a billion people.

What other brilliant plans of action do you propose?