tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10355625.post-31848186286487539992008-05-06T19:30:00.004+07:002008-05-06T22:57:00.252+07:00The <span style="font-style: italic;">Bangkok Post</span> <a href="http://bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=127511">reports</a>:<br /><blockquote>Official state media said on Tuesday the death toll from Saturday's Cyclone Nargis now stands at <span style="font-weight: bold;">22,000 - with another 41,000 missing.</span><br /><br />The BBC, quoting state media reports, said international aid agencies are pushing to launch a massive operation in the worst-affected areas of the country.<br /><br />Hundreds of thousands of people are said to be without clean water and shelter, with some areas still cut off.<br /><br />Official state media said on Tuesday the death toll from Saturday's Cyclone Nargis now stands at 22,000 - with another 41,000 missing.<br /><br />The BBC, quoting state media reports, said international aid agencies are pushing to launch a massive operation in the worst-affected areas of the country.<br /><br />Hundreds of thousands of people are said to be without clean water and shelter, with some areas still cut off.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BP</span>: It was 351 then 4,000, then 10,000. Now, even state media are reporting 22,000 dead and 41,000 missing. By the time this is all over, a deathtoll of over 100,000 is not improbable. The Burmese government can't handle the situation on their own. This requires tsunami-like assistance and the most likely state actor capable of providing this would be the US military. Given Burmese government paranoia and propaganda against the US and other "evil" western powers, will they accept international aid? What would that signal to the local population? Wouldn't it just confirm how incapable the government is if you see hundreds of white faces distributing the aid or aid labeled US military/government?<br /><br />What kind of aid and logistics assistance will the Thai, Chinese and Indian governments provide? Will these countries be looking at, or at least in diplomatic cables point out to the government the natural resource benefits that might come with assistance?<br /><br />btw, sorry if anyone finds looking at the political questions crass, but this is a political blog and so I examine political questions. Yes, my sympathies are with the victims.<br /><br />btw, I read earlier today, the EU is donating 2 million Euros. The Thai government had upped their financial assistance to USD 100,000 although this was before the current numbers were released.<br /><br />Much more later.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BP</span>: <a href="http://jotman.com/">Jotman</a> and <a href="http://ratchasima.net/">Rule of Lords</a> both have excellent coverage with links to many others and lots of commentary.Bangkok Pundithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120891606340974105noreply@blogger.com