Confessions of a News Junkie

Although New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof outlines a comprehensive strategy for reconstructing a future for victims in Darfur, there are still more structural and emotional obstacles in rectifying the genocide. Somalia, for example, has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in assistance from international organizations, but the diversity of the population in addition to political instability has obstructed peace keepers and aid programs from reaching and unifying communities. Also, in order for the state to overcome the crimes against humanity, just retribution of perpetrators may only be possible through public shame and prosecution.

But, there are political barriers in prosecuting Sudanese officials and individual warlords because many refuse to comply with international law and claim state sovereignty in refusing international intervention. Another argument against using international tribunals to reconcile crimes is that the trials may further divide community members, the state, and local clans over the best mechanism for a future of peace.

http://select.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/opinion/13kristof.html