The Macdonald-Laurier Institute today published a Commentary on the on-going tragedy of this monsoon season’s flooding in Pakistan. As millions scramble for safety, security and help, MLI contributor Dr. Robert Murray poses the question that is hovering over relief efforts to date.
“Each time a natural disaster occurs somewhere on the planet, there is typically a rush by national governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, aid groups and even celebrities to come to the rescue. Such reactions were seen after the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and more recently the earthquake in Haiti. In an era of supposed humanitarian responsibility and global consciousness, one is left to ponder why Pakistan is not receiving the same attention in the wake of its recent flooding.”
The answers are not easy, nor can we afford to overlook strategic considerations in shaping our response to the human tragedy being experienced by individual Pakistanis.
