Rice on Diplomacy with Warlords

An interesting note in Ambassador Rice’s prepared testimony today. She carefully goes out of her way to praise the work of Special Envoy for Sudan, Major General Scott Gration. But there is also this telling passage slightly later in the testimony:

“But the U.S. can afford no illusions. Some of the actors involved have long histories of lofty pledges and paltry results. We will not take merely the word of those who have committed genocide and crimes against humanity. We will insist on verifiable, significant and lasting action before we offer meaningful rewards.”

This is a welcome acknowledgment by a key figure in the administration that the United States must be tough in dealing with such bad actors. We hope that this belief is shared broadly throughout the administration.