Update: Return of Scorched Earth

On the ground: the janjaweed have returned to scorched-earth tactics, returning to the violent mass campaigns from the beginning of the genocide.  The campaign is aimed against JEM (Justice and Equality Movement), which has gained strength in the area and has ties with the government of Chad.

Approximately 20,000 people are trapped in western Sudan near Jebel Moon after the recent attacks there.  Humanitarian workers do not have access to the area, and those trapped in the area do not have adequate food and medical supplies.

Advocacy:  A recent editorial in The New Republic compared Darfur to Kosovo and advocated for NATO action in Sudan.

Global Response: BBC has posted pictures showing the effect of the most recent surge of violence in western Darfur and Chad.

Zhang Yimou, a Chinese film maker with whom Steven Spielberg had been working on the Olympic opening ceremonies, has called Spielberg’s decision to withdraw from his role as Olympic adviser “quite regrettable”.  Spielberg left his position in protest of China’s compliance with the Sudanese government.