Critical Moment In Pakistan
The devastation caused by the massive flooding in Pakistan is a moment in time in which the western world can show that we're not at war with Islam.
The best way to fight extremists is to prove to regular people that we're not just about war, and that we want to work with our partners in the region to find the best way to foster peace and stability. To do that means to give generously, not just in funds, but in equipment and manpower.
So far the World Bank has offered a $900 million loan to Pakistan, as well as individual guarantees from a number of countries. The United States leads the list with $97 million, followed by the UK with $41 million, Australia with $31 million, and a long list of others that you can peruse at your leisure here. That being said, there has been a noticeable lack of enthusiasm by many governments around the world (I'm looking at you Canada) to not only give, but encourage its citizens to donate to legitimate charities/organizations trying to get aid to the estimated 4 million homeless people who have no access to food, or water, and are now under threat from severe waterborne diseases like cholera. One organizer called it a slow motion Tsunami, referring to the fact that the results of the disaster won't be known until long after the event itself recedes.
Crops have been destroyed along with homes and livestock. The scope of the disaster is enormous with the potential for many more deaths due to long term starvation and sickness concerns. The United States and NATO has moved what little military equipment they could spare in the way of helicopters to aid in rescue missions, but there are not nearly enough to reach those still stranded in remote areas. My question to that is, where are the DART teams from around the world which participated in rescue operations in Haiti?
Regardless, the relationship between NATO and Pakistan had improved dramatically since President Obama took office, but all of that growth could be lost if extremists fill the gap before the Pakistanis and the western world can. It must be obvious by now that military might alone can't bring stability and peace. We have to stand on the principles that used to be synonymous with the west which included generosity and fairness, not based on the colour of your skin, where you were born, or your religion, or lack thereof, but simply based on the fact that it's the right thing to do. How else do you generate good will?
Certainly, there are those who fear that their money may go to sinister places and people when they donate, which of course is completely legitimate, however a little due diligence never hurt anyone, and definitely not their wallets. Recent reports on elements of Pakistani intelligence working with the Taliban and al'Qaeda certainly haven't helped public perception of Pakistan in the west, however these groups aren't representative of the military, or government. The fact is we have to break through our mistrust and focus on what matters when faced with terrible humanitarian disasters like this. Helping people out. The ultimate weapon to capture hearts and minds.
The best way to fight extremists is to prove to regular people that we're not just about war, and that we want to work with our partners in the region to find the best way to foster peace and stability. To do that means to give generously, not just in funds, but in equipment and manpower.
So far the World Bank has offered a $900 million loan to Pakistan, as well as individual guarantees from a number of countries. The United States leads the list with $97 million, followed by the UK with $41 million, Australia with $31 million, and a long list of others that you can peruse at your leisure here. That being said, there has been a noticeable lack of enthusiasm by many governments around the world (I'm looking at you Canada) to not only give, but encourage its citizens to donate to legitimate charities/organizations trying to get aid to the estimated 4 million homeless people who have no access to food, or water, and are now under threat from severe waterborne diseases like cholera. One organizer called it a slow motion Tsunami, referring to the fact that the results of the disaster won't be known until long after the event itself recedes.
Crops have been destroyed along with homes and livestock. The scope of the disaster is enormous with the potential for many more deaths due to long term starvation and sickness concerns. The United States and NATO has moved what little military equipment they could spare in the way of helicopters to aid in rescue missions, but there are not nearly enough to reach those still stranded in remote areas. My question to that is, where are the DART teams from around the world which participated in rescue operations in Haiti?
Regardless, the relationship between NATO and Pakistan had improved dramatically since President Obama took office, but all of that growth could be lost if extremists fill the gap before the Pakistanis and the western world can. It must be obvious by now that military might alone can't bring stability and peace. We have to stand on the principles that used to be synonymous with the west which included generosity and fairness, not based on the colour of your skin, where you were born, or your religion, or lack thereof, but simply based on the fact that it's the right thing to do. How else do you generate good will?
Certainly, there are those who fear that their money may go to sinister places and people when they donate, which of course is completely legitimate, however a little due diligence never hurt anyone, and definitely not their wallets. Recent reports on elements of Pakistani intelligence working with the Taliban and al'Qaeda certainly haven't helped public perception of Pakistan in the west, however these groups aren't representative of the military, or government. The fact is we have to break through our mistrust and focus on what matters when faced with terrible humanitarian disasters like this. Helping people out. The ultimate weapon to capture hearts and minds.
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