The Un's Tepid Response

[Boon Mee]

The Diplomad continues to be the most interesting source for news and commentary on the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami. Today the Diplomads meditated on the response to the tragedy from various corners of the world:

We have all heard how the quake-tsunami that has cost perhaps as many as 160,000 lives, thus far, has produced an unprecedented outpouring of global generosity. But has it, really? As we have tried to document, for example, the UN bureaucracy has not shown itself particularly concerned with saving lives, but more with preserving its status as a politically correct over-paid elite. But even more troubling than the antics of the increasingly incompetent, cynical and irrelevant UN has been the tepid or non-existent response to the disaster from the majority of mankind, including from citizens within the most affected countries.

In Western countries, we see not only governments pledging sizable sums of money, but private individuals, as well. I can't count, for example, the number of letters, emails, and calls we have received from private Americans wanting to help in any way they can to save lives. All across America, Australia, and Europe private citizens have raised enormous sums for tsunami relief. Local branches of American companies have raised large amounts of money and donated expensive machinery and other supplies to the effort. At the Embassy, we have seen American staff voluntarily cancel leave plans (often at considerable financial cost); cut short vacations; and volunteer for duties such as manning phones in our 24 hr. opcenter; helping load and unload trucks and C-130s; or spending days working and sleeping under exceptionally grim conditions in the areas most affected. And, of course, Australian and American military personnel, at great monetary cost and personal risk, have led the way in the massive relief effort underway.

I see, however, no outpouring of support in most of the world's countries. The oil-rich Arabs? Where are they? But most frustrating and even angering is the lack of concern exhibited by average and elite members of the societies most directly affected. This was driven home in the course of an interminable meeting a few days ago discussing some silly resolution or another calling on the UN to appoint a "Special Representative for Tsunami Relief." A relatively senior Sri Lankan official leaned over and said to me, "Why do we want to bother with this? We all know you Americans will do everything." A nice compliment, I suppose, but on reflection a sad commentary not only about the rest of the world but presumably about Sri Lanka, itself. One would expect the affected countries to take the lead in relief efforts. None of the most seriously affected countries (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives) is a dirt poor country; all have well-established governments and national identities.

In Jakarta, aside from flags at half-staff, we have seen no signs of mourning for the victims: while employees and dependents of the American embassy spent their holiday loading trucks and putting together medicine kits, the city's inhabitants went ahead with New Year's parties; nightclubs and shopping centers are full; and regular television programming continues. At least 120,000 of their fellow countrymen are dead, and Indonesians hardly talk about it, much less engage in massive charitable efforts. The exceptionally wealthy businessmen of the capital -- and the country boasts several billionaires -- haven't made large donations to the cause of Sumatran relief; a few scattered NGOs have done a bit, but there are no well-organized drives to raise funds and supplies.

Begging the pardon of the cultural relativists, but might we not be allowed to raise -- ever so gently, of course -- the possibility that these differing reactions to human suffering, show Western civilization as the best we have on the planet? Maybe, just maybe Western civilization is morally superior.

It's a thought w/exception of Thailand...

[Tornado]

I dont know the reasons

Are they sitting back more than most of us because of Religious beliefs, greed or are they distancing themselves from the US or UN ?

Havent got a clue, but I agree that they should of done more.

[Boon Mee]

I dont know the reasons 

Are they sitting back more than most of us because of Religious beliefs, greed or are they distancing themselves from the US or UN ?

Havent got a clue, but I agree that they should of done more.

Perhaps they are "Hen Get Toa" as said in Thai.

[Tornado]

Another point regarding the Arab world or Muslims, is that many donations they make will not be known to the news sources. I would say many would have made donations, but chose to do it anonymously.

A certain Sultan in the UAE called a Phuket businessman and asked how he could help and was told, to send planes in, the next day 10 airlines were flown in to help with the evacuation of the injured. The arab world is also responsible for building many schools and Mosques throughout Thailand.

Maybe it would be good PR for them to actually get some good press, but then again it isnt for us to judge.

[Erwin1011]

It is very much an essential part in Islam to help your fellow men in distress, but to do it without boasting or gaining from it.

i can imagine that muslims are looking a bit confused to what is going on in the west. I also can see some doubts creeping in their minds about ulterior motives.

Aaargh... the confusion of cultural differences ....

[wamberal]

While the tsunami tragedy is a huge disaster, it is worth keeping in mind that probably 3 or 4 times as many people die through famine or diseases of poverty and dispossession every year in the world.

I wish that all people in need throughout the world were getting the prompt and generous aid and support that many, if not most, of the tsunami victims are.