Obama: US to recognize Southern Sudan

AOL News/AP ^ | 7/2/11

[Eleutheria5]

WASHINGTON -President Barack Obama says the United States intends to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July.

Obama made the announcement Monday in a statement congratulating the people of Southern Sudan for "a successful and inspiring" referendum.

Election officials said Monday that more than 98 percent of ballots in the Jan. 9 vote were for independence. That means South Sudan will become the world's newest country in July.

Obama said that after decades of conflict the image of millions of southern Sudanese voters deciding their own future was an inspiration to the world. He also said it's another step forward in Africa's long journey toward justice and democracy.

[Hoodat]

So he was inspired by decades of conflict, and decided to recognize South Sudan? Something's missing here. This move requires a lick of common sense and/or a shred of decency, and if he doesn't lack one, he lacks the other.

He just wants to take credit for someone else's work.

Sudan leaders sign historic deal

[Stonewall Jackson]

If he wants to recognize a thriving nation in that part of the world, why doesn't he start with Somaliland? The region, which used to be British Somaliland, has been a self-sustaining autonomous region since 1991.

The Somaliland government has established a number of colleges and universities (including one of the only womens' colleges in the Middle East) and has made great strides in improving and supporting the local economy.

The Somaliland Defense Forces have been a strong ally in the fight against Somali Pirates, most of whom come from neighboring Puntland (a large number of captured pirates have confessed to being police officers from Puntland), and have established and protected a number of camps for refugees fleeing the violence in Southern Somalia and Puntland.

[edpc]

President Barack Obama says the United States intends to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July.

No comment by Gibbs as to whether by "July," they mean "yesterday."

[Red Badger]

Sudan and Happy Sudan.....

[cmj328]

First policy move of any sort that I can remember agreeing with Obama on.

I’m pretty happy about this.

Long Live Christian Africa!

[SunkenCiv]

Election officials said Monday that more than 98 percent of ballots in the Jan. 9 vote were for independence. That means South Sudan will become the world's newest country in July.

It's Zero's alibi for what he's doing in Egypt and elsewhere. Thanks Eleutheria5.

[free_life]

ditto

[Candor7]

George Clooney went over there , caught Malaria, and wrote a private citizens report to Obummer.

Result: Southern Sudan is recognized as another US aid receptacle( Congressional Black Caucus Kick Back plan)and immigrant source for the USA.

[max americana]

I don’t recognize Obama’s presidency so we’re even..

[Niuhuru]

So right, another drain on my taxmoney.

[Niuhuru]

It’s a entertainment cause dear to Hollywood hearts. Obama, being EVER so fashionable, is of course fully supportive of the development. I mean, he (Obama) actuallly met George Clooney over this at the White House.

[sageb1]

Because he’s a Christian. /s

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

But this purple-lipped douchebag won’t recognize Alaska, Idaho. or any other state that Sarah Palin has had anything to do with. I guess the 57 states that he visited on his campaign was enough. Now all he does is golf in DC, fly to Hawaii on vacation, and shut down Georgetown when he wants a burger.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Hey, he toured the 57 states! What’s wrong with you? :)

[treetopsandroofs]

Doesn’t this effectively DOUBLE the UN “Human Rights” committee membership of the worst human rights violating country in the region? BIG victory for Hussein’s foreign policy!

[OBXWanderer]

President Omar al-Bashir on Monday backed the final results and said he wanted to be the first to congratulate the south on their new state

so this takes place in July...look for Omar over here in August to pick up his check...kinda like how arafat used to use bubba...

[Obadiah]

I agree. Whatever motives may be behind this is immaterial. This is a very good move.

For those interested in understanding this issue better watch the movie, “God Grew Tired of Us”. It’s an amazing movie. The movie doesn’t put too sharp a point on it, but you clearly understand that, in a nutshell, the (Darfur)Sudan conflict is all about the brutal northern Sudan Muslims trying to exterminate the southern Christian Sudanese through cleansing.

[arderkrag]

Same here. Makes me think about that old saw about a broken clock...

[Scythian]

No, South Sudan is 90% Christian from what I understand.

[eleni121]

Actually nobody ever said a thing - no hollyweirds no politicians nobody - except Christian Church orgs - when the Southern Sudanese were being massacred and tortured by the tens of thousands by the Muslims in the North.