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Samantha Power's article explores the glaring evidence that the killings in Rwanda constituted genocide rather than mere civil war. Key points include the preparation of victim lists, mass killings by government troops and militias, and the staggering death toll. The article also discusses the U.S. response, highlighting factors leading to its reluctance to intervene, such as the aftermath of the Somalia crisis and a focus on diplomacy over humanitarian aid. It examines the consequences of inaction and the reluctance to label the crisis with the “g-word”.
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Samantha Powers’ article • What evidence suggested that the killings in Rwanda were genocide and not just civil war? • “Jean-Pierre,” Dallaire’s Hutu informer • Lists of victims prepared in advance • Massacres occurring across the country • Perpetrators mostly gov’t troops, militia, youth squads • Deaths in the hundreds of thousands
Samantha Powers’ article • What are some of the factors that contributed to U.S. failure to help? • Somalia 1993: Black Hawk Down • Focus on diplomacy over individuals • Seen as “just a flare-up”: “these people do this from time to time” • General hostility toward peacekeeping • “all loss and no gain” • U.S. contributing 1/3 of costs
Samantha Powers’ article • Why did Hutu extremists kill the 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers? • To get Belgium to withdraw, which they did. • How did European and American governments respond to the early killings? • The Americans evacuated their personnel overland without military escort • The Europeans dropped over 1,000 commandos into the capital to airlift their personnel
Samantha Powers’ article • What was the “g-word” and why was the U.S. reluctant to use it?
