The White House reaffirms their commitment to ending the genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region by announcing new policy initiatives today. Susan Rice, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, spoke to NPR’s Morning Edition about the Obama administration’s new policy, which will “use a mix of pressure and incentives to try to keep both peace efforts on track.” Says Rice, “The President views the situation in Sudan as dire and he’s deeply committed to protecting lives and bringing lasting peace. We believe this is a strategy that can accomplish that.” According to U.N. stats, more than 300,000 people have died in Darfur and more than 3 million have been displaced due to the outcome of mass killings and rape. While Rice didn’t detail the specifics of their incentives or the pressure they will use, she did assure “there will be no incentives delivered absent concrete tangible progress that is meaningful and measurable on the ground, the status quo or backsliding is unacceptable.” -CM