http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-956206.mp3
Albany, NY – In today's Academic Minute, Dr. Keith Pomakoy of SUNY Adirondack examines the use of the term genocide in connection with recent events in Libya. Dr. Pomakoy is Assistant Professor of History at SUNY Adirondack where he teaches courses on American history and modern genocides. He is the author of Helping Humanity: American Policy and Genocide Rescue.
Dr. Keith Pomakoy - Libya and Genocide
The humanitarian crisis in Libya has been described as a genocide by at least one Libyan official, and this label has been echoed by some in the American media. The free use of this term to describe the violence in Libya is surprising. It was not that long ago that the word was only used to describe a limited number of horrific events. While the actions perpetrated by Colonel Qaddafi's forces may well meet the technical definition codified in the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, defining the events now taking place should wait for posterity. At this moment it is more important to focus on putative solutions to the massacres that seem to be taking place, and would be rescuers should remember that, as in all humanitarian crises, tempest fugit.
The Obama Administration telegraphed its desire to take an active role in humanitarian rescue with the appointment of the prominent rescue advocate Samantha Power to the National Security Council. Secretary of State Clinton herself witnessed the struggles that President Clinton faced during the humanitarian crises of the 1990s. Indeed, one should expect that a lively discussion is taking place within the Obama Administration.
The problem faced by all humanitarians, from the "atrocitarians" of the 19th century to the advocacy groups of the current era, is that solutions to humanitarian crises rarely present themselves. As my research on genocide rescue has shown, would be rescuers are seldom faced with clear policy choices. Rescue efforts themselves can exacerbate humanitarian crises. Let us hope that the international community resolves to take actions in Libya that are designed to stop the dying as quickly as possible, and that the temptation to avoid hard decisions can be resisted.