Bush Promises More Aid to Tsunami Victims

I have stayed quiet on the tsunami front for a variety of reasons, primarily because I'm too shocked it happened to be able to effectively write on this topic. I still won't cover it as far as the tragedy, but I will cover it from the area of terrorism and what it could mean for the GWOT.

Today, President Bush announced the U.S. is committed for long-term aid to the region. He also announced a coallition of nations dedicated to providing aid.

Bush said he phoned the leaders of stricken countries to solicit specific needs and assure them the initial aid package "is only the beginning of our help." He also laid the foundation for a long-term international recovery plan by forming the coalition with Japan, Australia and India and inviting other nations to join.

Boston.com

To me this is where things can get interesting and should effect the GWOT. I'll try my best to explain why, however like always my readers must draw the final conclusions.

Australia and Japan remain two of our strongest allies in almost every single undertaking we take. Both countries' governments and people should be applauded by every American based upon their continued support. Our relationship with India has soured slightly, however the two countries remain friends and Indians are one of this nation's fastest growing minorities.

The area effected by the tsunami is directly in the path of where many terrorists start bases and train jihadists. Indonesia is reported as being a nation with several Al Qaeda linked terrorist groups. While I wouldn't be sad if those were the people that died, that isn't the case. India has it's own jihadists as well. The massive support again will help our country's image that was damaged by the UN oil-for-food scandal as well as internal strife.

With the United States supplying as much aid as they are and forming a coallition with other nations to provide aid, we should get more support in the region that will help fester anti-Americanism. Al Qaeda terrorists recruit on the basis of fighting the evil Americans and Westerners. If the rest of the West can step up to the plate in terms of aid to the tsunami effected region, this will either completely take away or severely damage this recruiting tactic.

Of course I do not believe this is the reason why President Bush announced what he did, but it's a great side effect. This is not just a public relations mission, though it can be turned into a great pr opportunity if the United States government starts to realize the power of pr.

What often goes unreported when amount of aid is discussed is raw materials (food, water, wood, etc.). Individual donations also usually go unreported. This is part of the reason why the U.S. has a bad rap with giving aid, which is unfair once the above in included. We as a nation must continue to step up and show our generosity to those who were effected by a tragedy, no matter what country of origin they are.

Cross-posted at In the Bullpen

Posted by: Chad at 10:35 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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