The Nerd's Eye View

Just read this morning that there is a move to have another cease-fire in Darfur. President Bashir (the bald, fat Buckwheat-like figure in the picture below) announced a unilateral cease-fire and that the central government would start disarming militia groups (read: "Janjaweed"). Darfuri rebel groups have basically said they're having none of it but apparently part of the government's strategy is to engage them and promote the cease-fire.

All this is pretty surprising and an abrupt about face for the recalcitrant (almost Bush-like) administration in Khartoum. While there is a lot of speculation from many parties (myself included) that this is a cynical move to lessen support for the ICC's indictment of Bashir, I do think that this is a step in the right direction. Essentially the indictment by the ICC has worked as a better cudgel than the threats of military force or toothless talk of economic sanctions. So long as there is an attempt to follow through, there is a good chance that violence might decrease and frankly that's the main point.