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Water Hope in Darfur
The genocide in Darfur has many causes. Chief among the instigators is the Sudanese government in Khartoum, which has won a higher place for itself on the annual Failed States Index.
Another cause of the war that led to genocide in Darfur is that good land used to be plentiful there, but the land has dried up. "Arab" nomad herders and "Black" farmers used to be able to share the land happily, because there was plenty to go around for such a small population. Over time, the land became more of a desert. The farmers versus herders conflict grew and grew.
Now there is a chance that one of the causes for the war in Darfur can be addressed. Scientists have discovered an ancient lake underground. Could it be that digging some wells would bring some peace between the farmers and herders?
Well, it certainly could help things. Maybe if the farmers and herders make peace, then the grand political negotiations would have more hope of being successful. My previous opinion on this blog was to just let all the people of Darfur who wanted to leave, to become refugees in the USA, do so. My assumption was that the land in Darfur is simply too dry, too scarce for everyone to return to their homes. But if there really is water, and it can be accessed for everyone, then there is a chance that my far-reaching idea would not even be necessary.
For a region ravaged by war and genocide, at this point, any good news is welcome. Let us hope.