Bush should speak out about Darfur now

George Bush left China in no doubt about his attitude to the country's human rights record when he spoke in Bangkok on his way on the Olympic opening ceremonies.

The US believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings

," and added

America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists,"

Will he though broach the subject of the Chinese influence in Sudan and in Zimbabwe.

With talk of reconciliation in the latter,it may be off the agenda but certainly not as regards Sudan.

As Time magazine points out

But Bush has made no mention of Darfur, or the Chinese record of arming the genocidal Sudanese regime there. Does this matter? Yes, because Bush himself said he would speak out and quotes him at the 2007 state of the union speech.

We will continue to speak out for the cause of freedom in places like Cuba, Belarus and Burma," Bush announced, "and continue to awaken the conscience of the world to save the people of Darfur."