World News: Where is the story in the News, we have to see it first on Rock City?
Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:31 PM EST
Photo credit: Ann Curry
NBC News anchor
Climbing into Sudan's Nuba Mountains I turned and saw her standing above me, in a dress so clean and white it seemed out of place with her surroundings.
Something about her seemed at once strong, even heroic and yet achingly vulnerable. She didn't move as I raised my camera to take a picture of her and the sleeping baby she carried: two children among thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands living in caves to survive the relentless bombing.
Photo credit: Ann Curry
Photo credit: Ann Curry
All we heard was 89-year-old Cooli Kafi Darbar praying. Cooli is a former school teacher, who has been credited with translating the Bible into Kronga, the language of the Nuba people.
His quiet prayer translated, "The God of Isaac and Abraham, thank you for everything, for suffering and for blessings."
Hearing this, his 64-year-old daughter Hanna began to stare, seemingly at some memory, before she started to cry. Then she parted her lips and sang, "Why can't I find any comfort in this world," tears rolling down her left cheek and dropping off her chin.
It is a good question.
Photo credit: Ann Curry
When the people of South Sudan fought for independence from the government of President Omar al-Bashir (the same President Bashir who the International Criminal Court has accused of genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur), the Nuba fought with them. But when territorial lines were drawn, the Nuba were left on what they considered the wrong side of the border.
Photo credit: Ann Curry
People say government military units called the "Abu Tiera," led by Ahmed Harun (also accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity in Darfur), went door to door, targeting only Nuba homes with systematic rape, murder and kidnappings while leaving Arabs untouched.
There are no accurate numbers of how many people may have disappeared, but some experts say satellite images are consistent with reports of mass graves.
Brigadier General Nimori Morat told us, "We are fighting just to live."
Photo credit: Ann Curry
This seems to be a war over territory and, in one area, over oil, but it appears to have also unleashed ethnic cleansing.
"They say our skin is like charcoal," the elderly Cooli told us. Another woman who survived an attack said, ”They called us dogs and said we are the only people because we are Arabs and you are Nuba."
Photo credit: Ann Curry
Photo credit: Ann Curry
Journalists are not allowed into the Nuba Mountains. It was only because we snuck across the border that we reached the caves, and even then, we were wary of bombs and Sudan military units a few kilometers away. Ultimately we had to leave the same night because it was unsafe, we were told, to stay.
Sure enough, some of the places where we had been were attacked at sunrise and there appeared to be an effort to cut off the road into the Nuba Mountains completely. How will the people in the mountains survive this war, and soon, the potential famine that will result from being unable to plant their crops? Humanitarian aid has also been cut off from the mountains.
Photo credit: Ann Curry
And we heard several people, including children, thank us for taking their picture. If they are going to suffer, and even die, they at least want the world to know what is happening here.
Photo credit: Ann Curry
Additional resources: Click here to learn more about humanitarian organizations helping Nuba refugees.
We need to help these people, we can not stand by andnot do anything. We are a blessed nation.
- 4 votes
#1 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:20 PM EST
It
seems Ann didn't want to report the whole story. The truth is its the
Loving Muslims killing the Christians again, they are barbaric and need
to be sent back to the stone ages where they belong. Stop coddling
them, Muslims are evil, will butcher anyone who does not go along with
them. They are horrible to women. Where are the womens rights groups,
That's right their worry about college girls not getting their birth
control, that is much more imporatant than starving children being
starved by their own kind.
- 2 votes
Hey ... before trying to pass judgements on Ann Curry or Muslims .... get this .... Sudan also has oil.
#1.3 - Thu Mar 1, 2012 1:03 AM EST
@
Sic&Tired-5366211 - the Nuba are Christian and Muslim. Get your
facts straight before criticizing. In fact, many of the amazing people
of Sudan (Muslims) do not support this war. The war is by an evil regime
driven by ambition for power, not religion.
- 1 vote
Mention
by the media of just some of the crap that has been going on in Africa
for decades? Hundreds of thousands killed, a few hundred thousand girls
and women raped and deformed. Heads being cut-off. Little children being
tortured and having their right arm and a leg chopped off. Mass
starvation, no water......
Then when a few unknowns decide to have a revolution in Syria the world roars?
Then when a few unknowns decide to have a revolution in Syria the world roars?
- 1 vote
Why
isn't Ann Curry so concerned to show the plight of Americans living in
poverty? We have malnourished children and seniors and whole families
without a place to live. Didn't she pay attention to the bit about
people not taking their meds as prescribed because they cannot afford
to?
I know I am blessed. I choose to help my neighbors here at home.
I know I am blessed. I choose to help my neighbors here at home.
- 3 votes
People
around the world need help! That's selfish to say we should only help
our own! And I think they have it worse off--we don't try to bomb our
people.
- 4 votes
Have
you sat down with Ann Curry to find out that she isn't concerned with
the plight of Americans living in poverty? I think not. She is doing
her job and reporting. That is not to say there isn't a plight in the
United States, but I don't see the US bombing its own people, I don't
see them doing what they are doing in the Sudan. Global concerns DO
effect all of us. Sometimes people need to shut their mouth and open
their heart!
- 4 votes
It
is not an either/or situation. We must be doing both and we are.
Please continue to reach out and help your neighbors here at home
without begrudging someone their hearts desire to help their neighbor in
Sudan.
- 4 votes
I
think it is wonderful that you choose to help your neighbors but I
think the persecution and hunting and murdering of these people is more
the point in this story.
#2.4 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:07 PM EST
Well said Michael G Sluder! Cheers!
#2.5 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:11 PM EST
How
can you equate what poor people go through here with being bombed and
living in caves on the edge of famine? We have no idea what these people
are suffering. I grew up in a very poor neighborhood with many people
on foodstamps, government help, as well as a lot of homeless people.
None of them are in the same destitute situation these people in Sudan
are in. Their government hates them and is bombing them daily, they have
little to no food, and no one is stepping in to help them.
- 1 vote
I
don't think you get it 'jkatze'; There's no comparison between the
needs in our country and the needs of these people, they are being
persecuted and killed. Poor people in the US get help from the
government and many other institutions, for example, food stamps, child
care, etc....I believe if you are poor in the US is because you choose
to be; These people have no choice....These kids deserve a better life.
#2.7 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:17 PM EST
While
I share the view that we need to take care of Americans we need to put
this subject in perspective. Even though there does exist poverty in the
US, no one needs to starve to death. They may not feast on a gourmet
meal but they won't die. These people not only starve but have to endure
being bombed,mutalated,raped and die without medical care. Do I believe
that America alone should help these people? No! Until the area has
something to offer the world they probably won't get much help.
- 2 votes
I
don't think its selfish at all to take care of your own, since Ann
does not want to report the whole story, its brain dead Muslim terrorist
killing their own. They claim to be loving but I've yet to see that,
they treat their women terrible, have no respect for life, to concerned
with their virgins. And usually a virgin is a young girl. As for me
and my family we'll take care of our neighbors. As an old military man
said, "I will not donate to someone who wants to kill my Grandchildren"
Enough said, Hey Maybe the Taliban has some extra Dollars, they can
take care of their own.
#2.9 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:30 PM EST
amber, if you are referring to me, please learn to spell. There is no credibility in illiteracy.
I suspect many of the 'oh-we-must-help-these-poor-people-in-a-war-zone' comments come from folks living comfortable lives removed from the reality of life in blighted, urban America. Those are war zones. A good percentage of those gunned down in the street are innocent kids caught in cross-fire or mistaken for the enemy. A mother in Sudan is no more devastated by the murder of her children than a mother in Chicago, L.A., NY, Philly etc.
17,000,000 (28%) of American children are malnourished.
Go ahead folks, keep sending your money overseas. But you forfeit the right to bellyache about urban blight, gangs, and crime committed by kids.
I suspect many of the 'oh-we-must-help-these-poor-people-in-a-war-zone' comments come from folks living comfortable lives removed from the reality of life in blighted, urban America. Those are war zones. A good percentage of those gunned down in the street are innocent kids caught in cross-fire or mistaken for the enemy. A mother in Sudan is no more devastated by the murder of her children than a mother in Chicago, L.A., NY, Philly etc.
17,000,000 (28%) of American children are malnourished.
Go ahead folks, keep sending your money overseas. But you forfeit the right to bellyache about urban blight, gangs, and crime committed by kids.
- 1 vote
jkatze
Thank you for your post. Sadly it is so very true and probably more
than we even know. It is said that one in four children in America goes
to bed hungry. One in four girls, under the age of 18, has been sexually
abused. On and on it goes and we ignore this?
There are still Americans who refuse to accept any form of government money, for reasons that are very personal.
I am now very careful about the groups in America to whom I send any money. I have grown tired of most these so called non-profits, the 501c3's with their plush offices, six and sever figure salaries, fancy new cars, and fat bank accounts as well as bunched hedge fund investments........They are not using our money given as intended. However, there are some who seem to really carry the majority of the burden and who accomplish the most good. Many of these choose not to register as a certified non-profit for their personal reasons. The only down side of that is that the donor is not able to write their "gift" off their taxes. That, to me, is the bright side; because then the giver is really giving from their heart and not for the tax advantages.
Keep on posting and helping your neighbors. That is what it is all about, that is the true American way, that is what made our nation great.
#2.12 - Thu Mar 1, 2012 1:05 PM ESTThere are still Americans who refuse to accept any form of government money, for reasons that are very personal.
I am now very careful about the groups in America to whom I send any money. I have grown tired of most these so called non-profits, the 501c3's with their plush offices, six and sever figure salaries, fancy new cars, and fat bank accounts as well as bunched hedge fund investments........They are not using our money given as intended. However, there are some who seem to really carry the majority of the burden and who accomplish the most good. Many of these choose not to register as a certified non-profit for their personal reasons. The only down side of that is that the donor is not able to write their "gift" off their taxes. That, to me, is the bright side; because then the giver is really giving from their heart and not for the tax advantages.
Keep on posting and helping your neighbors. That is what it is all about, that is the true American way, that is what made our nation great.
Heidi Zimmermann Backes post 2.2 yes, and sometimes people need to get off their fat asses and act.
#2.13 - Thu Mar 1, 2012 1:08 PM EST
Don't go to places like the Sudan. When you get kidnapped, don't expect the Navy Seals to rescue you.
- 1 vote
#3 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:32 PM EST
I agree, Don't Go, it's not right to put our soldiers in danger from those THUGS,
Call up the United Nations, USA has given them Billions to feed peoples, make them do their job. I think my family has given enough money through my taxes.
#3.2 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:37 PM ESTCall up the United Nations, USA has given them Billions to feed peoples, make them do their job. I think my family has given enough money through my taxes.
This
is so sad. The world, particularly the developed countries current
facing a "tight budget" will sit idly by and watch them die, only years
later admitting it was real. Sounds hauntingly familiar...
- 2 votes
#4 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:34 PM EST
Seriously
jkatze? President Omar-al Bashir is the no better than Hitler. He's
killing off thousands of innocent people because of their nationality
and the best you can do is criticize Ann Curry for trying to help these
people? Perhaps you should stick your head back in the sand.
Thank you Ann for being so brave and selfless to bring light to such a travesty!
Thank you Ann for being so brave and selfless to bring light to such a travesty!
- 1 vote
#6 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:45 PM EST
Thank you Ann for risking you life to enlighten me. I pray we can all come together and make a difference.
- 1 vote
#8 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:52 PM EST
Ann
avoided mentioning the truth. Christians all over the Muslim world are
being slaughtered by barbaric Muslims who despise civilized Christian
People. Arab Spring-or Spring time for Hitler and the Muslim Brother
Hood has created a hell on Earth for Christians in Muslim countries and
for Jews in Israel and the Muslim world. NBC promoted a Marxist who
disguised him self as a Christian. Marxist love Islam because it is not a
religion but a totalitarian miltarized polygamist cult. We have a
Carlos the Jackel in the white house and NBC helped put him there.
#8.1 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:33 PM EST
I
was just watching Ann Curry's report and it breaks my heart to see the
condition these people are living under for no fault of their own other
than being caught in the middle of two vicious, terrorists groups.
#9 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:53 PM EST
People
are people no matter what part of the world they were born. BE led by
one's heart and spirit, and bring hope and help to others....whether
near or afar.
#10 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:54 PM EST
You can donate to Ryan at kickstarter.com, just put in his name "ryan boyette"
#11 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:54 PM EST
Thank
you for opening our eyes to the suffering of others. Poverty in
developing countries cannot be compared to poverty in America. I am a
social worker who works with low income families in DC. I have also
been to India and Africa. We are rich compare to poor people in
developing countries. We have government programs and food available,
opportunities and choices. They don't. I wonder which International
organizations are there to help?
#12 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:56 PM EST
People
are people no matter what part of the world they were born. BE led by
one's heart and spirit, and bring hope to others. We all need help and
support on our journey.Thank you for stretching our boundaries and
comfort levels.
#13 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:59 PM EST
Ann Curry is one of my heroes and I am so thankful for her willingness t go places I can't go to and to share what she learns.
- 1 vote
#14 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:02 PM EST
The
people of the Nuba Mountains, South Sudan, and Sudan are forgotten by
most of the world. There are very few organizations ministering to them.
They are the victims of some of the most heinous atrocities you can
even imagine. The children and women are especially vulnerable. One such
organization that is active in this area and several others has built
the only indigenously operated orphanages in Sudan and the New Republic
of Southern Sudan, Africa. Make Way Partners criteria for selecting the
places they minister is based on just two criteria:
1. Where women & children are at highest risk of human trafficking, forced prostitution and other forms of modern-day slavery.
2. Where little to no other help is available because it is considered either "too" dangerous, "too" expensive or "too" remote for most people to go.
Visit for more information, and read Passport Through Darkness by the President of Make Way Partners, Kimberly Smith, to learn more about this inspiring ministry and the most brave woman I know.
1. Where women & children are at highest risk of human trafficking, forced prostitution and other forms of modern-day slavery.
2. Where little to no other help is available because it is considered either "too" dangerous, "too" expensive or "too" remote for most people to go.
Visit for more information, and read Passport Through Darkness by the President of Make Way Partners, Kimberly Smith, to learn more about this inspiring ministry and the most brave woman I know.
#15 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:11 PM EST
We
are a small part of the larger world community and should, as one of
the richer parts help anyone who is suffering such atrocity. No child in
any country should be allowed to starve for any reason.
A young man with all of his life before him risked his life to stay there with his wife when he was told to leave. Ann Curry risked her life to bring that story to us. I fear for anyone trapped between these warring factions.
A young man with all of his life before him risked his life to stay there with his wife when he was told to leave. Ann Curry risked her life to bring that story to us. I fear for anyone trapped between these warring factions.
- 1 vote
#16 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:16 PM EST
Where is god in all this...
#18 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:28 PM EST
He/She/It is in Aspen on a two week holiday. You don't think God needs a break from us?
#18.1 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:51 PM EST
God
is where He has always been, although we will never understand the
suffering in this world. We know that He is still in control. Men have
choices and there choice to be evil is apparent in Sudan. There is going
to be suffering here but we have eternity to look forward too. Where
will you spend eternity? Please pray for and with these people I am sure
that God knows there suffering. But Jesus suffered worse on the cross
and that is what we look too the CROSS and JESUS
Blessings
#18.2 - Thu Mar 1, 2012 12:04 PM ESTBlessings
Dear
Ann - thank you for bringing a new awareness to us all. This is a
tragedy and needs to be reported. The links between this shrinking
world and the pain throughout the world need to be recognize, reported
and understood by all with compassion and hopefully a way to help those
in need ...everywhere...a brilliant job reporting a peice of the truth
of this world Ann - no matter how painful it is to hear it and how easy
it is to feel sorry for ourselves...this information needs to be in our
world awareness and part of our global decision making and caring...
- 1 vote
#19 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:46 PM EST
Here
are the facts. While the people of the Sudan suffer, people are lying
dead in the streets of North Korea. The governmnet is killing its own
people in Syria. The list is lengthy and none of it is of more
importance than any another story of human brutality. It is noble that
this story is being told, but there are countless other stories just as
extreme. We cannot fix the world any longer. We cannot do it with
military might and the ability in the case of Sudan to get food to the
people is unworkable under present circumstances. It is simply life and
death on a planet full of people bent on destroying one another. Not
exactly new for the human race.
#20 - Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:49 PM EST
No comments:
Post a Comment