Sri Lanka: Time for Drastic Action

The world needs a wake up call, according to James Traub, who directs policy at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in New York. Despite a Sri Lankan government military operation which reportedly helped at least 35,000 civilians escape from Tamil Tiger held territory, at least 60,000 civilians are still trapped on a small strip of land in northern Sri Lanka. And the Sri Lankan government is said to be preparing for its final assault on the rebels.

As heavy fighting has resumed, civilians are being forcibly held by the rebels. U.N. Emergency coordinator John Holmes says that a bloodbath is about to happen. Why the silence? Where are the condemnations from influential governments, especially the United States?

The legacy of the war on terror, says Traub. The rebels are one of the world's most ruthless insurgent groups, and the State Department labels the Tamil Tigers a terrorist organization. Thus, rather than try to diplomatically end the war between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan government, the Bush Administration actually increased military aid to the Sri Lankan government to defeat the rebels. Perhaps these weapons have enabled the government to nearly defeat the rebels.

What to do? Traub says the U.N. Security Council must take up the conflict in Sri Lanka, and remind both the rebels and the government that there will be consequences for their actions, "in the form of prosecutions for crimes against humanity." The Security Council must also dispatch a special envoy to urge support for a political settlement. This is all great, but also takes time.

The most immediate need is for people to pay attention. Simple condemnations of the violence by leading governments which can influence the Sri Lankan government, especially the U.S., would be extremely valuable. And quickly before a massacre unfolds before our eyes.

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