Mamdani (Good Muslim, Bad Muslim
) continues to challenge political and intellectual orthodoxies in his latest book, a bold, near brilliant re-examination of the conflict in Darfur. While acknowledging the “horrendous violence” committed in the region, Mamdani contends that Darfur is not the site of genocide but rather a “site where the language of genocide has been used as an instrument.” The author believes that the ”war on terror” provided an international political context in which the perpetrators of violence in Darfur could be categorized as “Arabs” seeking to eradicate “black” Africans in the region. Challenging these racial distinctions, Mamdani traces the history of Sudan and the origins of the current conflict back past the 10th century to demonstrate how the divide between Arab and non-Arab ethnic groups is political rather than racial in nature. The author persuasively argues that the conflict in Darfur is a political problem, with a historical basis, requiring a political solution—facilitated not by the U.N. or a global community but rather by the African Union and other African states. The book’s introductory and closing chapters are essential reading for those interested in the topic. (Mar.)
