This book tells the story of humanitarian aid, of creative and destructive politics, of elusive peace. Its meaning extends well beyond the Sudan.

"Those concerned about resonding to impacts of famine and war on innocent civilians will find much to ponder in this study."

—Former President Jimmy Carter

"This book's stength lies in the fact that it is the product of broad consultation with all the key players in the crisis that ravaged southern Sudan in 1988. It does not represent the views solely of the UN, of a single agency, or of either of the parties to the conflict. As such, Humanitarianism under Seige offers a unique and critical insight into the workings of the international relief system."

—Gayle Smith, Horn of Africa specialist

"One persistent reality of our world is that millions of innocent people suffer from war and famine. This study of Lifeline offers lessons and encouragement as we grope for the appropriate strategies to reach those in need."

—Rep. Tony P. Hall, Chairman,
House SElect Committee on Hunger

"...a valuable and incisive report...I commend it to all concerned with providing humanitarian assistance in conflict."

—Peter J. Davies, President, InterAction

Larry Minear directed Tufts University s Humanitarianism and War Project. He has worked on humanitarian and development issues since 1972. A posting in the Southern Sudan was followed by advocacy work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief. Over the years he has served as a consultant to governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the Red Cross movement. Since co-founding the Humanitarianism and War Project in 1991, he has conducted and coordinated research on many humanitarian crises and written extensively for specialized and general audience. His most recent book, "The Charity of Nations: Humanitarian Action in a Calculating World" (Kumarian Press, 2004) probes the reasons behind governmental and nongovernmental responses to urgent human need.