ICC: What Next in Case Against Sudan's Bashir | Newsweek International

COMBAT CRIMES
A Weapon of War
6/25/2008 12:00:00 AM
Sexual violence against women and children hurts more than just the individuals or families involved. It also undermines a country's economic and social stability. A recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, chaired by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, addressed this critical issue. "Rape is a crime that can never be condoned, yet women and girls in conflict situations around the world have been subjected to widespread and deliberate acts of sexual violence," Rice said in her opening remarks. NEWSWEEK's Imani Cheers talked with Roxanne Lawson, Director of Africa Policy at TransAfrica Forum, about the importance of efforts by the United Nations and member countries to protect the world's most vulnerable citizens. Excerpts:
'Darfur Is Low-Hanging Fruit for Beijing'
Mark Starr 4/17/2008 12:00:00 AM
Hundreds of America's top Olympic athletes gathered in Chicago this week to meet with the media that will report on their triumphs and disappointments from Beijing this August. At the same time human rights activists were ratcheting up the pressure on China on a host of issues. Darfur is at the forefront, as China finds itself under attack for selling arms to Sudan and for acquiescing to policies that jeopardize the survival of the refugees. As a result many of the U.S. athletes found themselves being asked—beyond the usual questions of hopes and dreams, training regimens and doping controversies—about Darfur and whether athletes should use the Olympic platform to speak out in protest.
DEPARTMENTS
Perspectives
The Last Word: George Clooney
Ginanne Brownell
THE POWER OF A WORD
Boycott Opening Ceremonies
Jonathan Alter
It's a 100-day dash, and the world had better get at least a silver. In the time before the Beijing Olympics opens in August, the West has a chance to bring China further into the community of responsible nations. If we fail, we may spend the rest of the 21st century regretting that we didn't use some leverage when we had it. Half a dozen European leaders and the Democratic presidential candidates are urging a mini-boycott of Beijing's opening ceremonies. They're right to do so; it's the best shot we've got.