Mother Nature is doing what the United Nations, a flock of
diplomats and a worldwide boycott could not. Burma, on its knees
after a disastrous cyclone, may finally open up to the world.
Mother Nature is doing what the United Nations, a flock of diplomats and a worldwide boycott could not. Burma, on its knees after a disastrous cyclone, may finally open up to the world.
Outside aid to the nation is critical to revive the country devastated by 120 miles per hour winds and surging water in low-lying areas. The death count is well past 22,000 with an estimated million more homeless.
Even with its oversized army, the country’s military junta can’t handle the relief work. Helicopters, field hospitals, air-dropped supplies are all beyond the reach of Burma’s resources.
That’s where the offers of help can serve two purposes: direct human aid and also an obvious reminder that Burma can’t get by unless it joins the larger world.
It’s a message that needs no amplification. That’s why it was disappointing to hear Laura Bush, usually an informed and persistent critic of Burma’s military leaders, lash the junta as “inept” and call for the postponement of a referendum later this week.
Her words are ill-timed and ungenerous. They also may drive a wedge between other countries rushing aid to Burma and this nation which can quickly dispatch supplies from nearby Navy ships. Timely humanitarian help can foster democracy far more than finger-pointing.
Burma’s population of 48 million already knows the corrupt and brutal nature of the junta in charge. Its citizens, led by Buddhist monks, rose up in protest last September before troops put down the uprising.
This editorial first appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday.
