A little bit of systematic killing never hurt anyone...

So, according to the Sudanese foreign minister, U.N. investigations have found no evidence of genocide in Darfur. Now, if forced to be intellectually honest (damnit!), I must acknowledge the possibility that genocide, as it is technically defined is not occurring in Darfur. Attempting to prove the intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial or religious group is not an easy thing to do. After all, how do you prove intent?

Somehow, however, I doubt that the children who have been slaughtered in Darfur are well educated on the finer points of the definition of genocide. Unfortunately however it is going to make a big difference in their lives. Because it is not considered a genocide, the U.N. is not bound to act. Because it is not bound to act, it won't, except of course in the very typical U.N. fashion" "what's that, your home has been burned down and your daughters raped and killed? Can I offer you some water?"

The U.N. Charter needs to be changed to recognize that even in cases where genocide cannot be proven (often very difficult while the violence is occurring), the international community must be bound to act to protect people from the murderous violence of their governments.