Dear Thunderbolts,

Since this unfortunate disaster occurred in Myanmar, criticism, comments and remarks are mostly aimed at the Government for not doing soon enough.

If Myanmar’s political situation were normal, without outsiders interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs, I am sure the Government will accept their help and aid with open arms. The Government will be most grateful for their generous donations and help.

The United States and most Western Countries who were former colonial powers are still forcing their agendas onto the Emerging Countries or Third world countries by economic sanctions; providing financial support to opposition, encouraging and scheming for ‘Regime Change’ and also at times provide clandestine arms to rebels. Behind all upheavals, conflicts and killings over the world, one can see a virtual picture of whose blood stained hands they belonged.

‘US President George W Bush and his wife, both staunch supporter of Burma’s democracy movement, offered their country’s help. What a perfect opportunity for the Burmese regime to start working with its critics’. (Opinion – Irrawaddy)

1. Myanmar would welcome and accept sincere and genuine aid from any International Community with open arms. To accept aid with unreasonable political conditions should be rejected outright, no matter how attractive an offer is. Just beware of the juicy bait and not to swallow hook, line and sinker.
In other words, the Government must be cautious not to let an Arsonist impersonating as a Fireman to come into the house.

‘On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said the United Nations should invoke its “responsibility to protect” civilians as the basis for a resolution to force the delivery of aid to Burma, even if has to do it over the objections of the military government.
Some senior UN officials and humanitarian officers including John Holmes, head of the humanitarian section at the UN, feared that this would lead to confrontation. He said that negotiations are still going on with Burmese officials and making some progress.’ (Opinion- Irrawaddy)

2. Cyclone Nargis was a natural disaster of big magnitude; Myanmar Government is not responsible and has no control over it. The Government will try its best to provide food and shelter with limited resources at its disposal because of economic strangulation by the US and the West. True, Myanmar lacks good communication and infrastructure for easy access to these lower regions of the Irrawaddy. However, Myanmar Government has built roads and bridges through out the country. Pathein (Bassein) which took 14 hours by launch twenty years ago can be reached within 4 hours now. Pyapon a delta town hit by Nargis took at least 8-10 hours depending on the tide by launch now takes 2 hours.

Present situation in Myanmar is not the same as Kosovo. On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said the United Nations should invoke its “responsibility to protect” civilians as the basis for a resolution to force the delivery of aid to Burma, even if has to do it over the objections of the military government.

Myanmar is a sovereign country and will out be bullied to imposed their will, whether their intention are good. Myanmar wants to open the doors but has to be cautious not to allow rubbish and debris blown into the house. This reminds me of the recent Olympic touch affairs. French President said something about boycotting the Olympic, soon after demonstrations and disruptions started in London and Paris under the guise of freedom of expression. They carry fuel in one hand and a bucket of water on the other hand.

Many critics say that Myanmar Government is slow to respond to International help. The Government will have to consider its first priority which is the State Security.

A doctor at times must come to a vital decision whether to save a patient life or deteriorating gangrenous limb. This is the reason why the Government had to take time in allowing foreign aid to come in, particularly the United States with its Cobra Entourage.

Happy to contribute in AO.

I am Polaris.