Out of Iraq -- Into Darfur

Massive "Stop Genocide" rallies are planned on the Mall and across the nation today to urge the Bush administration to take stronger action to end the violence in Sudan's Darfur region.

The rally comes as the humanitarian crisis in Darfur is worsening. In the past month, 60,000 Darfuris have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The Janjaweed continue to murder and rape women and children of different ethnicity, human rights groups say. Friday, the U.N. World Food Program said it lacked the funds to feed millions in Darfur.

Rally speakers are expected to press the Bush administration to push harder for a multinational peacekeeping force to be sent to Darfur and to take a tougher stance against Sudan. But it is appearing that Bush, who is famous for Warring around the World, just does not get it.

"I want the Sudanese government to understand the United States of America is serious about solving this problem," Bush said after meeting with Darfur activists.

"For those of you who are going out to march for justice, you represent the best of our country. We believe every life is precious, every human being is important."

Reuters is reporting that the Sudanese government on Sunday accepted a peace plan for the Darfur region that requires it to disarm Janjaweed militias before rebels lay down their weapons in what diplomats said was a major breakthrough. However the New York Times points out:

Two anti-Khartoum rebel movements have taken a "joint position" not to sign an African Union-brokered peace accord for the war-torn western Sudanese region of Darfur, their spokesmen told AFP on Sunday.

J. Allbritton at Ice Station has more on the crisis.

Jen has the link for Million Voices for Darbur

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Update: Darfur deal hangs in the balance Mediators in Sudan's Darfur conflict are making urgent pleas for rebels to sign a peace agreement as a midnight deadline for a deal approaches.