NEW DARFUR ENVOY: SCOTT GRATION.

The administration will be tapping retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Gration to be its special envoy to Darfur. The move comes after increasing criticism from anti-genocide activists who have felt the administration has not offered an aggressive enough policy roll-out addressing the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and Sudan's political problems in general. Now, though, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has offered stronger words than usual against the Sudanese government, castigating its recent decision to expel aid workers.

Early reaction to the envoy pick has been positive. Many take heart in Gration's strong personal relationship with President Obama; Gration was an early supporter and national security adviser during the campaign who bonded with Obama on a 15-day trip through Africa. One general rule of thumb about special envoys, who exist somewhat outside the typical State Department bureaucracy, is that they are only as successful abroad as they are influential back in Washington. At first glance, it seems that Gration passes that test. Gration actually grew up in Africa and has spent substantial time there as an adult. But he isn't a career diplomat, so there is some concern that the tricky political situation in the region may prove a challenge. On the other hand, if anyone could argue successfully for a no-fly zone over the conflict-ridden territory, it would be a former Air Force general. Appointing a military man to speak for the U.S. in the region is certainly a pointed sign to the Khartoum regime.

After Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was indicted for crimes against humanity earlier in the month, a number of aid groups were expelled from Sudan, putting further strain on an already difficult humanitarian crisis. Few diplomats would envy Gration his portfolio; it's an exceedingly complex situation that isn't at the top of anyone in government's priority list -- although most of the current foreign-policy team were out front on Darfur issues before joining the administration -- and it will require a good deal of will and energy from the new envoy to see even the barest success.

For more background, read this excellent roundtable on Darfur at TNR.

UPDATE: Sam Bell, advocacy director at the Genocide Intervention Network , e-mails these comments:

As a former general and one of the top military advisors to Senator Obama during the campaign, Gration has the experience and personal relationship with President Obama to serve him well in this new role.

This appointment shows that Obama is committed to resolving the crisis. It is a necessary but insufficient step towards realizing peace in Sudan. President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, Ambassador Susan Rice and Gration must work immediately to (1) reverse the humanitarian expulsions, (2) forge a peace deal for Darfur, (3) reinforce the UNAMID peacekeeping mission and (4) ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. To support his diplomatic efforts, Gration needs a capable team deployed full-time in the region."

-- Tim Fernholz