Whom can lies cheat?

Speaking truth does require courage on many occasions. For instance, the US special envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios, said not long ago that China had pushed the Sudanese government recently to accept the stationing of UN peacekeepers in Darfur. Some recent changes in the stance of Sudanese authorities are owed to Chinese efforts, which he referred to as a "crucial factor".

On the issue of Sudan, he said to his peers that Western nations had criticized China too much and, to be frank, its diplomatic efforts are of very great help.

Objectively, these remarks by Andrew Natsios were made despite mounting pressures as the foul water had been spilled over China with such filthy phrases as "a support to dictatorial power", "an indifference to human rights" and "an indulgence in the genocide." His honest, straightforward remarks and appraisals such as a"crucial factor" and "of great help," have undoubtedly played a role of correcting or setting right the twisted public opinion.

In fact, the truth is more needed to address Darfur, the source of the events. Isn't it obvious that a tribal conflict to vie for cropland, pastures and water sources was said to be a genocide, and isn't it obvious that a situation turning stable gradually was said to be a war turmoil, and even casualties and the number of refuges were exaggerated up to a dozen-fold. An issue of internal Sudanese affairs was thus internationalized.

The Chinese government sent a special envoy to Darfur recently to acquaint himself with the real security and humanitarian aid situation in the region, which was in sharp contrast with what the Western nations and their media had reported.

The true situation provides the basis to make the correct judgment, whereas the correct judgment is in turn the basis on which to formulate the correct policies. A couple of great nations, however, have acted the other way round, covering up truth, framing up lies and spilling polluted water all over. This reality is ascribed entirely to the desires and interests of these nations. A powerful opinion offensive prior to the Iraq was a case in point, and the Making of the Mythical Modern American War Hero concocted by the US military and media and subsequently exposed by a native US woman soldier named Jessica Lynch was another vivid example.

Speaking truth does indeed require courage, and those who lie will eventually have to pay their prices. Those in power have known most clearly what liars would feel once their lies are exposed. Onlookers are not all fools any way, and so whom do these lies eventually cheat?

By People's Daily Online