Eddie Konczal, Published in The Courier-News on June 7, 2006

The mainstream media insists on bringing Americans up-to-the-minute coverage on "American Idol" results and celebrity breakups -- sensationalized stories that divert us from our daily lives without causing undue angst. It's perhaps understandable that many people are unaware of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Since the civil war escalated in 2003, Arab militias supported by the Sudanese government have persecuted Darfur residents through a variety of atrocities, including rape, arson, killing and looting. More than 180,000 people have died through violence, hunger and disease, and approximately 2 million people cannot return to their homes. A peace deal reached in early May offers hope, but the Sudanese government has a weak track record in enforcing peace agreements. A peace envoy is desperately needed to enforce the agreement.

Fortunately, the United States has not ignored the Darfur crisis. President Bush acknowledged that genocide is occurring in Sudan and must be stopped. The bipartisan Darfur Accountability Act, which would impose sanctions against perpetrators of genocide in Darfur, has passed the Senate and now awaits House approval.

Those concerned about the situation in Darfur can write letters to their representative in Congress, urging passage of the Darfur Accountability Act. To take further action, visit http://beawitness.org/splash/ and ask news outlets to cover the important events in Darfur.