Who bought the lies?

April 27th 2007, 04:01

Source: People's Daily

To tell the truth, courage is needed in many situations. For example, U.S. special envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios said during a senate hearing not long ago that China has been working hard to urge Sudan to accept the United Nations peacekeeping forces' emplacement in Darfur. China's hard work is "the key factor" of why Sudan's current position has changed recently.

Contrary to the opinion of some others, he pointed out on the Sudan issue that Western countries have too many criticisms of China. "Frankly, China's hard work in diplomatic efforts is of great help."

Objectively speaking, Natsios' speech is maintaining much pressure, because before this, dirty water splashed against China was mostly like the following: "Supporter of the dictatorial regime", "Disregard for human rights", and "Condoning genocide". The truth told by Natsios, especially comments such as "key factor" and "of great help", have a certain effect in correcting seriously distorted opinions.

In fact, China is not the only one that needs the truth. More so, the original cause of the event--Darfur. Tribal conflicts obviously caused by fights for farm land, pasture land and water are being told as a "savage ethnic massacre", Obviously the situation is getting better but it is told as a daily escalation of the war. Even the number of casualties and refugees are being exaggerated by 10 times or more! A problem that originally belonged to the Sudan government's internal affairs is now being internationalized. Recently the Chinese government sent a special envoy to visit the Darfur area, to understand the safety and humanitarian aid situation there. Facts show that some Western countries and media have not been telling the truth about the Darfur issue.

The truth is needed to make the right decision on the current situation. And the right decision is the basis for formulating a correct policy. Some big countries don't understand this common principle. The reason why they go against it, spare no effort to conceal the truth, make up lies, discriminate against others is purely driven by their own desire and interests. The strong offensive opinions before the start of the Iraqi war is already an illustration of this. Another lively example is the American soldier Jessica Lynch exposing the "Iraq war hero story" made up by the military and the media.

Telling the truth takes courage. Telling lies will cost you a price in the end. America's dilemma of not being able to extract itself from the mud pit of in Iraq and its feeling of lost credibility caused by lies being revealed is all very clear in the minds of the liars themselves, and the bystanders are not all stupid. Who gets fooled by lies in the end?

by reporter Wu Ming