Decision January 9th: Obama vs. Clooney

I try to avoid headlines that feature entertainer’s names. Most of the time it pertains to gossip or publicity. Any positive news usually stems from empty promises or charitable pipedreams, but every once in a while an exception will surface and turn the heads of some of our most influential and powerful leaders. George Clooney recently returned from war-ravaged Sudan and met with president Obama at the White House. His goal is to urge the U.S. and international community to use diplomacy and prevent violence before a January 9 election that could lead to a new civil war.

Clooney is one of the few entertainers that I respect enough to pay attention too, particularly his philanthropy. Since 2006, he has been in and out of Sudan lending a hand wherever he can, and returning to the U.S. to spread his message to whoever will listen. His message this time is important. The upcoming election is an independence referendum that will split the country between the north and south if passed. "At a time that is one of the most politicized times ever, this is something that everyone agrees on: If there's some way to get ahead of this and stop it before it happens, we better," Clooney said following his meeting with the president.

This is easier said than done. We have to keep in mind that peace talks won’t stop violence between people who are set on violence. A 21-year civil war in Sudan just ended 5 years ago, so it won’t take much to refuel that fire. I’m sure Obama wants to avoid military intervention at all costs. Military resources are becoming increasingly depleted due to a 9-year war in the Middle East. Not to mention, with such instability in the area, a foreign military presence will only invoke more conflicts, rather than prevent them.

So what about diplomacy? White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said Obama underscored U.S. efforts to ensure that the referendum be held on time and that all parties involved refrain from violence. However, Obama said in the meeting that the ultimate responsibility for Sudan's future rests with its political leaders. That’s just a fancy way of saying; “I’ll be rooting for you on the sidelines.” Somebody is going to have to make the first move, but it won’t be the U.S.

So as of now, Clooney prays upon deaf ears. The president and his administration are all well aware of the situation but too heavily invested in other conflicts, both foreign and abroad, to take on this one. We as a public have been bombarded with “Save Darfur” ad campaigns that raise awareness, but fail to foster enough support that will make any significant progress. Even as I write this I’m sitting in front three TV screens showing CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. Almost every second of coverage has been dedicated to the Chilean miner rescue. Not that the rescue isn’t worthy of coverage, but I’ve been here for several hours.