NP? starvation in Afghanistan
Michael Baum
michael.baum at nist.gov
Fri Nov 9 15:05:52 CST 2001
DM> Many observers have also noted a major flaw in the U.S. strategy of
DM> dropping those food packets along with the bombs -- it leads to the
DM> distrust of all forms of humanitarian aid coming in. That's one big reason
DM> why so many aid officials have been arguing against this practice.
Specifically, how many observers note that? And how much data do they
have?
I ken that there's been trouble because the U.S. unwisely colored the
food packets the same high-visibility yellow as some anti-personnel
munitions -- a clear case of the right hand not knowing what the left
was doing -- and as result they've had to try and spread the word to
the Afghans about the difference and scramble to re-package the food
parcels.
But even in light of that nasty error, I just don't understand this
statement. "Dropping food packets along with the bombs?" That's just
rhetorical exaggeration, right? They drop food parcels near remote
villages and they drop bombs on military positions. Two different
targets, really. And I'd like to see some proof that a sizeable
percentage of hungry Afghans can't figure the issue out and what to
do. I mean, just because they're relatively poor and speak a
non-European language doesn't mean they're ignorant or fools.
And even if they developed an unaccountable phobia for food wrapped in
yellow, why would they let this put them off all other aid packages?
It's just silly.
DM> That's one big reason why so many aid officials have been arguing
DM> against this practice.
Again, _how_ many aid officials, exactly. Is there audio or video
tape? I'd like to see an aid official saying "Things are terrible,
winter is coming, vast numbers of people are going to starve, and oh
my god whatever you do don't drop food on them."
maab
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