Two Deaths

The weekend death of new Sudanese Vice President and former rebel leader John Garang threatens to disrupt a fragile new peace accord in that country, with riots breaking out in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The BBC reports that several deaths are already being reported. Mr. Garang was widely popular in the southern part of the country, having led rebel forces there for several years in the country's civil war.

Just three weeks ago, as part of a internationally-brokered peace settlement, Garang became Sudan's vice president. Both Garang's former deputy, Salva Kiir Mayardit - who will now lead Garang's movement - and Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, said that the helicopter crash which killed Garang was an accident, and expressed their commitment to the peace process.

The last thing Sudan needs is more bloodshed. I hope that the peace agreement holds, so that the nation can begin its long trek toward stability.

This morning another death, that of Saudi King Fahd, was announced. Fahd, who had been incapacitated for several years, has ruled the Saudi kingdom since 1982. Crown prince Abdullah has been announced as Fahd's successor, and Defense Minister prince Sultan wil take over as crown prince.

While the House of Saud's human rights record is pitiful, and there is much to criticize about their policies, they have been valuable allies to America, and I hope that the succession there proceeds smoothly and without incident.