The floods in Pakistan have already been called the greatest recent natural disaster, affecting more people than the 2005 tsunami or the earthquake in Haiti.
But so far the international response has been piffling.
Part of this no doubt is due to disaster fatigue, but much of it reflects a total lack of confidence in the government of Pakistan.
That government is seen as unable to cope and corrupt.
Several of the regions affected by the floods are essentially no-go zones, ruled by Islamic fanatics who want to overthrow the regime.
These people are providing the only aid available, while simultaneously telling the regime that they should refuse aid from the West.
It’s difficult to see how Pakistan ever becomes a functioning state under these circumstances, much less how the US and its allies will be able to contain fanaticism that exports terror to the region and around the world.
Gorilla says: “Losing hearts and minds a third time seems to be our charmless lot in life!”
Tags: Pakistan