Letters: We can do better in South Sudan

Re “Disillusionment over South Sudan,” March 1

South Sudan’s recent descent into violence brings to light the dangers of premature American disengagement from countries burdened by conflict.

U.S. leaders and diplomats spent years ending two decades of war between the Sudanese government and an independence movement in South Sudan, investing significant time, energy and resources to forge a peace agreement, support a popular referendum and create an independent South Sudan.

Our government hailed the outcome as a great victory.

Then we left South Sudan on its own, abandoning the fledgling state without helping it to forge democratic political institutions or incubate leaders committed to good governance after their years of autocratic rule as military commanders.

The result has been a tragic resumption of atrocities and a dramatic setback in America’s strategic interests in ensuring regional stability.

We must re-engage now, before our investments in building a peaceful and democratic South Sudan are lost completely.

Janice Kamenir-Reznik

Encino

The writer is the co-founder and president of Jewish World Watch.

ALSO:

Letters: Guns in the modern world

Letters: Paul Ryan’s poor budget choices

Letters: Drug abuse starts with the individual