A Freedom Fighter Speaks.(interview with former colonel John Garang)(Brief Article)(Interview)

John Garang, a former colonel in the Sudanese armed forces, leads the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. He holds a doctorate from Iowa State University. Garang met with NEWSWEEK's Tom Masland in his headquarters near Sudan's border with Kenya. Excerpts:

MASLAND: Is this a religious war?

GARANG: That does injustice to the real situation. In the SPLA we have lots of Muslims. It is more of a religious war from the other side, because they are the people who have declared jihad. But you cannot put it in a one-dimensional way. There are religious elements, historical elements, cultural elements, definitively economic elements to it. Actually, the economic aspect concerning oil is begging to take prominence. In the end of the day, it is a struggle for the definition of the Sudan. It's really a problem precipitated by those in Khartoum trying to impose by force their vision of society.

How important are churches to your cause?

Their aid is very welcome. The church is concerned about fundamental issues of human rights, of religious persecution. Because there is real persecution in the country against Christians; churches, for example, get taken over. In Khartoum relief is being used for conversions. Which does not mean this is a religious war. But I would urge Muslims to be concerned about religious persecution in Sudan, about ...