Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond

by Don Cheadle

Book Overview

An Academy Award-nominated actor and a renowned human rights activist team up to change the tragic course of history in the Sudan -- with readers' help. While Don Cheadle was filming Hotel Rwanda, a new crisis had already erupted in Darfur, in nearby Sudan. In September 2004, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell termed the atrocities being committed there "genocide" -- and yet two years later things have only gotten worse. 3.5 million...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401303358
• ISBN13: 9781401303358
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Hachette Books
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Genocide in Darfur

An extremely informative book that isn't for the person who wants to read a story with a happy ending. Hopefully that will be in a sequel, but this book documents the atrocities and the events leading up to them. It reads like a journal from both authors, even at the times when you are left feeling overwhelmed you should keep reading as you learn that silence doesn't aid the victims. There are suggestions for the reader who feels helpless yet wants to participate in the campaign to stop the genocide. It is important to read this and pass it on to others; my purchase led to others becoming involved in their own way. This book is not light reading, but I was impressed that people are working vigilantly for the greater good. Kudos to those who are working beyond their borders to bring about positive change.

Not on Our Watch

Absolutely critical book for everyone's collection. Well-written, concise, extremely informative, easy to read with a wealth of information. Also inspiring, I highly recommend.

NEVER AGAIN

This book is informative and educative. We need more books like this one! Never again should be NEVER AGAIN. How can WE let this happen again?

The essential primer for combating genocide in Darfur and elsewhere

Several good books have already been written on the genocide in Darfur. Generally, they fall into one of two categories - either they provide rich historical, cultural, and political background (e.g., Gerard Prunier's The Ambiguous Genocide) or they provide first-hand accounts of the authors' experiences witnessing the tragedy of Darfur (e.g., Brian Steidle's The Devil Came on Horseback). What makes Cheadle and Prendergast's book particularly rich is that it provides useful background on the Darfur genocide, enriches it with the authors' experiences on the front lines, and also gives concrete tips for how average citizens can make a real contribution to efforts to stop crimes against humanity in Darfur and elsewhere (e.g., northern Uganda and Congo). The "actor-vist" Cheadle and his activist friend Prendergast strike the perfect tone, not understating the horrors that the Government of Sudan and the Janjaweed allies have unleashed on "African" populations of Darfur, while managing somehow to present their complex message in a user-friendly, occasionally lighthearted, and ultimately optimistic manner. The reader closes the book after the last page feeling empowered to participate in a broad social movement with the potential to effect real change. In short, we are not alone in wanting to help the people of Darfur, and we have a real opportunity to make a difference, through emphasizing the "three Ps for preventing atrocities" (protection, punishment, and peacemaking), and applying the authors' "six strategies for change". The strategies are particularly focused on constituency building and advocacy aimed at the U.S. Government. Consequently, while the authors certainly note the complicity of the Chinese and Russian governments and firms in fueling the all-too-literal fires of the Darfur genocide, much more attention is paid to the role of the War on Terror in providing cover for the Khartoum regime, and the consequent need for citizens to pressure the U.S. Government to push the Government of Sudan to stop its abuses, disarm the janjaweed, and permit United Nations peacekeepers. One thing that I particularly liked about Not on Our Watch is that Cheadle and Prendergast are eager to accord recognition and visibility to the many people and organizations that are already doing great work on the Darfur issue. This has the effect of buttressing the authors' message of empowerment and optimism while also providing richly deserved acknowledgment for people who are doing good work, often at some personal sacrifice. It also implicitly strengthens Cheadle and Prendergast's credibility - in spite of being a Hollywood actor and a high-profile activist, clearly not self-effacing types, they are more than willing to give credit to others and are eager to promote and further enhance the strong social fabric that has emerged through the "Save Darfur" movement. I enthusiastically recommend this important, multi-faceted book, particularly for those wishin

An important book

Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast is a book that does two things - it chronicles the work of activists and advocates to start what is now a true citizens movement for Darfur, and it lays out ways that individuals can help end genocide. The book is also peppered with the thoughts and commentary of the authors, which provides an often amusing insight into what makes two of Darfur's greatest champions tick. (For more of my thoughts on the book see here). Also, portions of the proceeds go to the new camapaign ENOUGH [...]