Have we learned nothing?

The recent discussion - or lack thereof - regarding Darfur is eerily reminiscent of the run-up to the Iraq war. Lest we forget, let's review why the invasion of Iraq was a mistake, and why sending troops to Darfur would also be a mistake.

1) Sudan did not attack us on 9/11.

Our country has a history of using an attack by one nation to justify an attack on another. Unfortunately, Iraq isn't the only example. We declared war on Germany even though they didn't attack us at Pearl Harbor. And, if we don't smarten up, it looks as though Sudan is next in line.

2) Give sanctions time to work.

We only gave sanctions against Iraq twelve years to work before our rush to war. And we haven't even tried sanctions against Sudan. Before even considering intervening in Darfur, the United Nations should draw up a regimen of sanctions which should be given at least twelve years to work.

3) Question the intelligence.

Why is no one questioning whether genocide really is taking place in Darfur? Are we willing to send our young men and women to die because George Clooney took pictures of some poor people in the desert? The presence of weapons of mass destruction was no "slam dunk" in Iraq, and genocide in Darfur, I dare say, may not be a "slam dunk" until more evidence is forthcoming. The United Nations should be allowed to send inspectors who are given time to investigate the evidence.

4) Follow the money.

"Beware the military-industrial complex." A lot of money was made in the invasion of Iraq. Who stands to benefit if we invade Sudan? What economic interest does the Hollywood crowd have in pushing this "intervention"? Before committing troops, let's make sure we are clear on who stands to gain monetarily.

If we fail to stand up now and vocally oppose the invasion of Darfur, then we will have learned nothing.