gaudio@csli.stanford.edu (Rudy Gaudio) (04/29/91)
A posting to this newsgroup asked readers to write to the Sudanese embassy to congratulate the Sudanese government on its effort to bring its country into conformity with Islamic law. The same posting made clear that readers' letters to the Sudanese government should make it clear that congratulations are in order only if the government is sincere in its efforts. I have read no response from any Sudanese or Muslim readers to this posting. I therefore am compelled to comment, despite the fact that I am neither a Sudanese nor a Muslim. I spent three months in Khartoum a couple of years ago, and met many wonderful Sudanese friends, most of whom were devout Muslims. I believe that it is possible that an Islamic government in Sudan could sincerely wish to implement shari`a in such a way that respected Muslim and non-Muslim Sudanese citizens alike. The current military regime in Sudan is not such a government. Its commitment to Islam is political, not sincere. Leading Muslim (as well as non-Muslim) political leaders who participated in the previous, overthrown government have been arrested and all dissent has been squelched. The government has refused to consider negotiating with representatives of secessionist southern Sudan, and has thus contributed to a perpetuation of a bloody civil war and disastrous famine that is threatening millions of Sudanese with starvation -- again, both Muslims and non-Muslims. This is not to say that the southern rebels are not also guilty of perpetuating these evils; they are also guilty. However, the fact that the current military regime in Khartoum has invoked Islam to promote its own power does not reflect a sincere desire for Islam, which must have as its goal peace and harmony among peoples. I urge all readers of this newsgroup to reconsider offering their support and congratulations to the Sudanese government. Please seek the comments of Sudanese, Muslim or other acquaintances of yours who might have appropriate knowledge regarding the things I have described. It is not my understanding that a truly Islamic government would be antidemocratic, violent, and disrespectful of minorities' rights in the way that the current Sudanese government is. Millions of Sudanese may die this year in part because of the government's policies. This is not a time for congratulations. Respectfully yours, Rudolf Gaudio Stanford University