Many believe that the struggle and genocide in Dartur is a religious war to eliminate the Christians. On the surface it looks like it is. In fact Billy Graham sent his son to assist the Christians in the region with their struggle. NPR interviewed a writer who did extensive investigation into the conflict. The bottom line seems to be that there is no longer enough arable land to meet the needs of both the nomads (Muslims) and farmers (Christian africans). Therefore this has mostly been caused by the encroachment of the Sahara Desert because of climate changes. Similarly in Kenya the Masai are demanding they be given (back) the land of the white inhabitants. They need grazing land for their cattle. Rangeland has become more scarce and a drought has diminished available land for cattle to graze on. It seems to me that one of the causes of both these situations ins the encroaching desert as a result of global warming.

# Posted by Eve Winer on 8/25/04; 9:42:12 AM - --