Canada in Sudan: War Without Borders - Tapa dura

"[Canada in Sudan] introduces readers to Afghans and their culture, gives historical background from our involvement since 9-11, and covers operations, casualties, and the results."

Its a book full of the kind of history they dont teach in the Canadian school system. This is the interesting stuff. And its important stuff. The long relationship between Canada and Sudan has, strangely enough, had a significant impact on the development of both countries The book is an excellent primer for anyone who wants to understand where the Janjaweed came from, or why South Sudan might become its own country But the books is, true to its title, as much about Canada as it is about Sudan.

"This is a book full of the kind of history they don't teach in schools."

An ancient Arab proverb states, "When Allah made the Sudan, he laughed." Had he known the country’s future, he would have done better to cry. To most of the world, Sudan means Darfur and the tragedy of atrocities and ethnic cleansing that has occurred there. Canada’s first involvement in Sudan was in 1884, when Canadian voyageurs were recruited to help rescue General Gordon, who was besieged in Khartoum by the Mahdi. Canada in Sudan introduces Canadians to this massive, troubled nation, telling the story from ancient times through to the modern era and the work of Canadian archaeologists, aid organizations, and Canadian Forces military observers deployed to Sudan as part of Operation Safari.

On March 30, 2007, Minister for Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay said, "Sudan is an almost perfect storm of conflict, dislocation, underdevelopment, and brutality." Perhaps he was confirming that Canada will be in Sudan for a very long time.