Pakistan flood survivors protest slow aid

As said in another thread, Pakistan has bitten the hands that feed them and no one really wants to offer money and aid when they think it will either go to the government or extremists. It is a shame for the public that suffers but I certainly don't feel the need to give aid knowing that it won't get to the people the need it the most.

A dear friend in Peshawar wrote that he felt that god was punishing Pakistan for the recent years of violence. He and many other devout people are taking this disaster as a warning to change.

While I don't share his religious beliefs, I admire that he sees this hardship as a means of moving in a new direction. I hope that the international community will help and support Pakistan now. The price of doing so is so little compared to the potential good that can come from a showing of care from around the world.

Tmarie. You and I rarely agree on much. Today more so.

It is precisely now that the time has come for aid and outreach. Too often the world let's political idiocy blind them to the opportunities to start fresh.

An outpouring of international aid and support has the potential to change the thinking and good will of the people of these regions. If it is given in the true spirit of charity and helping hands are on the ground to support the people in need, it will not be forgotten.

I know the culture of this region from my studies of the music of Pakistand and Afghanistan. The people have no more love for the Taliban than you or I do. But must live with the situation they are exposed to. We have a chance to change that for the better in light of this flood.

It is not a time for political BS. It is a time for humanitarian care, charity, sacrifice and humility that can lead to gaining friends and partners in Pakistan that could one day lead to peace.

It is good being said than done. Charity for humanity sounds very good, until the exploiters take advantage thereof. Recently, American built an electrical power plan providing electricity to remote villages in Afghanistan; however the the Taliban now control the juice flow and power grid to the locals. We spent money ,and they make money of our back. Ban ki moon needs to get out from the corrupt fat boys net work of U.N. thus calling for Russia, China, N.Korea, Iran and the Muslims world to come for rescue without demanding money from U.S and the rest of the West. May the real men stand up!

Bgood41. So if we follow your logic, we fail to help anyone because there is a risk of some of the money getting taken by the bad guys.

Brilliant. And then the same crowd like you moan when we fail to gain the support of the people against insurgents and the Taliban. Well the sad thing is that the outside worlds sees things very differently. They see you willing to help only when it benefits you. They see you demanding support but not doing much in return. The rebuilding of Afghanistan for example, that just isn't happening even in secure zones.

You cannot be politically opportunistic and expect people not to notice. This is a time when we have to do our best to help the ordinary people of that region. They will not forget such help. That I can promise. But they will long remember the failure of those who do not.

Unfortunately the Cdn Govt will find ways to hand out MORE MONEY to the pockets of others & simply hike the taxes of the home owners or things like food, clothing, & just so much more. Basically because the President of the UN is asking for the impossible.

Smythe. And when Canada has some terrible disaster, perhaps my country should adopt your attitude and just let you suffer.

Can't believe the insensitivity on this board sometimes!

Where are the Muslim countries with this? Why are we not seeing wealthy Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia stepping up to the plate to help. The United States is flying missions around the clock now using the Marines to deliver much needed aid. The rich Gulf states are quick to fund building a new Madrasa but not so fast to help save the poor from this catastrophe. Shame on those countries...

ospreyip. The article doesn't say either way. How do you know they are not?

My point is this. For a decade now we have been fighting in Afghanistan, and by proxy that means NWFP Pakistan. Much of that fight without much forward movement towards peace. Add to that the fact that our border bombings have cost considerable civilian lives, and given rise to even greater anti-western sentiment in the tribal regions and you have a serious problem.

This flood is the greatest tragedy for the region in memory. As I wrote before, my contacts there are seeing this as the wrath of God for the situation in their region.

What better opportunity to do some honest good, while helping to win the hearts and minds of the tribal region's people? This is in many ways the time for us to shine as friends to the people of the region and to help them find peace. That is why it is so critical that we deliver aid and help the people. Doing so may do more for peace in the region than another five years of armed conflict.

We should act now out of compassion and out of a will to help turn this tragic event into something that can help forward peace in the region.

Simply:

NO Cash help to Pakistani Government.

Just keep record how it is being used.

"Just keep record how it is being used."

8.7 billion dollars went AWOL from Iraq and nobody batted an eye-lid.

ospreyip. The article doesn't say either way. How do you know they are not? My point is this. For a decade now we have been fighting in Afghanistan, and by proxy that means NWFP Pakistan. Much of that fight without much forward movement towards peace. Add to that the fact that our border bombings have cost considerable civilian lives, and given rise to even greater anti-western sentiment in the tribal regions and you have a serious problem. This flood is the greatest tragedy for the region in memory. As I wrote before, my contacts there are seeing this as the wrath of God for the situation in their region. What better opportunity to do some honest good, while helping to win the hearts and minds of the tribal region's people? This is in many ways the time for us to shine as friends to the people of the region and to help them find peace. That is why it is so critical that we deliver aid and help the people. Doing so may do more for peace in the region than another five years of armed conflict. We should act now out of compassion and out of a will to help turn this tragic event into something that can help forward peace in the region.

I have lived and worked with Afghans in Afghanistan for the past year. Many of my students either have lived or have relatives in the Peshawar region. I have spoken with them at length about the floods and have asked them what relief they have heard about coming from Islamic countries, the answer... none.

I think you are mistaken to think that the USA hasn't been doing a lot to help rebuild this country. The USA provides a lot of money and resources (human and capital) to both countries. I work with people who are helping build clinics and schools here in Afghanistan. I personally have been in charge of administering a significant budget to build and maintain a language school paid for by the DoD. The non-Taliban folks that I work with every day want the USA to be here until they have security. They are scared of what will happen if the USA and other NATO countries cut and run leaving them to face a dangerously violent situation.

Again, I assert, where are the Islamic countries and why are they not providing aid? I hope I can be proven wrong since the residents of NW Pakistan (heavily Pashtun like Afghanistan) need all the help they can get.

T, I think people need help and would be more than happy to donate time and money when I know my efforts will be given to those in need. However, Pakistan has a history of using aid money for things like... nuclear weapons. I'll keep my money in my pocket until the government and aid agencies can ensure that the aid goes to the people who need it, not the bullies who run the country.

I hope your friend is correct and things change in Pakistan. They need to.

a quick look at wikipedia suggest the islamic countries are fairly well represented

obviously...has to be either democratic govt or dictatorship (unfortunately US has accepted combination of both).

Boy talk about an event sure to create bitter feelings... and probably thousands of more terrorists ! Just go on record- like some of our canadian friends here- about not wanting to give aid, let them suffer, they "bit the hand that fed them" etc etc etc.

I watched the news over the weekend- video from the street had many thanking the Americans for their immediate and financial help. Badmouth my countrymen all you want people- that'll never change the reality on the streets ! When it comes to international aid- of any sort- the Americans are #1 ! Simply the best.

Ah yes, white=American. Rolls eyes.

Oh and I see the title and details of the article have been changed. Protests over slow delivery? Please. Reminds me of Haiti and the issues there. They are "throwing aid" because they are scared for their lives - again, aid workers in Haiti were attacked for their aid and whatnot. It is really hard to hear such things when people try to help and then are criticized for what they do. Exactly why I don't support aid to Pakistan. Not getting to the right people, the locals are complaining, things are disorganized...

Here in Canada if Canada decides to fork out a mint of money to Pakistan is is not up to the common voter to say yes or no. It is done by the present Conservative Federal Govt & in turn tax the home owners to more taxes on food, clothing & such. We simply have to pay it up.

Or people could remember this and vote for a different party come election time.

Wasn't Pakistan the country where people were dancing and celebrating in the streets when the twin towers in NY collapsed?

Besides, I agree with Branded. Americans are indeed #1 when it comes to international aid. Because they always see aid as a great opportunity to influence the political process of the receiving country. A good example was the Marshall Plan. Why is it that so many criticize American aid? Because they don't give out of altruism. American aid is always accompanied by conditions in the interest of the US.

"The scale of the disaster has raised concerns it could destabilize the country, which is pivotal to U.S. hopes of defeating al-Qaida and the Taliban."

You see what I mean?

I've just read up on this and it says that the farming areas in Pakistan were devastated to the point where if the farmers can't plant crops in time there will be a national food shortage. Knowing how things usually work some will say its Allahs' punishment for assisting the Americans and others will say they're being punished for being hostile to the Americans... Which spin is going to win out while the people once again have lost.

roomtemperature: "You see what I mean?"

No not really. You seem to be confusing "Government assistance", in the form of ODA, with individual donations and charitable giving by the common Amewrican citizen. Your view that "aid as a great opportunity to influence the political process of the receiving country." is hardly unique to the USA. Japan 's heavy ODA assistance for African nations for example is strictly geared at acquiring vast mineral deposits in said continent. In fact, the absense of many nations giving aid to Pakistan at this time is further proof that so many see no "political advantage" to doing so. You'd think their humanitarian side would kick in- I guess not. In any case your backhanded swipe at America once again holds little water... at least the Americans are doing something to save lives !

"You seem to be confusing "Government assistance", in the form of ODA, with individual donations and charitable giving by the common Amewrican citizen."

No, I don't. My whole previous comment was about humanitarian aid (emergency aid). Not about development aid.

Do your homework and try again. Before you start blabbering again.

"Do your homework and try again"

No need to ! My previous research indicates that Americans account for more than 60% of the worlds total charitable aid- odd, I don't remember any of it being returned ! Now, "Before you start blabbering again" why not enlighten us as to why a person of your great stature feels the need to belittle any country for it's aid- humanitarian or not.

".....Americans account for more than 60% of the worlds total charitable aid- odd, I don't remember any of it being returned !"

Of course the aid was not returned. But the Americans always demand something else in return. Something political, that is. Charitable aid I hear you say? Sure!

"But the Americans always demand something else in return."

Again- you are confusing ODA with charitable giving and basic donations by the common folk. Maybe you can enlighten us into what the American people want from the Pakistanis for this flood assistance. As far as ODA- like I said before- much like every other nation on the planet, citizens want to see positive results from their government assistance. Japan does the same, as does France, Germany, et al. Pointing an accusing finger at the Americans is akin to America bashing. Shame shame.

"Pointing an accusing finger at the Americans is akin to America bashing. Shame shame."

I'll remember that one, Branded. It'll come in handy in the near future...;)