The Eagle - Phillip Ochs
by Alexander Grabowski
American University's Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence Nick Clooney is discussing the problems in Darfur with students and guests tonight at 7:00 p.m. The discussion will follow the viewing of the documentary Journey To Darfur he produced in 2006.
The documentary tracks Professor Clooney's trip with his son George Clooney to the troubled region in Sudan. In 2008, the documentary was released on DVD with the proceeds from sales going to the International Rescue Committee to aid the people in Darfur.
The Genocide in Darfur has already been going on for more than six years. Hundred of thousands have been killed, even by the most conservative estimates. Based on Sudan's behavior over the last few years, it is clear that the international community is needed more than ever. According to Save Darfur organization, the community is encouraged to impose additional political costs for the Sudanese President.
Humanitarian assistance in Darfur continues to risk collapse as the Sudanese government, the government's militia allies, and common criminals threaten any aid. Most of the deaths have been caused either by the government or Janjaweed (a specific armed nomadic african tribe). Nick Clooney plans on speaking more about this during his engagement. If you are interested in reading more about the crisis, check out savedarfur.org
Mr. Clooney is an American Journalist who started his career as news anchor in Lexington, Kentucky. In the early 70s, Professor Clooney gained fame as a game show host of the short lived Money Maze. After his stint being a host, he continued his work as a journalist. His career as a hard news journalist garnered praise, especially for his coverage of the 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire. In 2004, he ran for Congress as a Democrat from the State of Kentucky. He lost the election and returned to writing columns. In fall 2008, Nick Clooney joined the faculty at American University's School of Communication.
For more information on Nick Clooney, go to this website: http://www.answers.com/topic/nick-clooney
I will be live blogging the discussion tonight.
