Slow And Inadequte

Normally, I am quite impatient with those who complain that we in the west are too slow providing aid to victims of natural disasters in less developed countries. But, in the case of the Pakistani earthquake, I have to agree with the complainers. The Pakistani government has put its balls on the chopping block by assisting us in the pursuit of Al Quaida. President Pervez Musharef has survived several assasination attempts as a result. So, when the United States initially offered $500,000 in assistance, the Pakistanis were correct in disparaging the offer as "dersory."
Thankfully, the United States has raised its pledge to $50 million, which I would regard as a good start. Winning the war on terrorism will have as much to do with winning hearts as winning battles. We made a lot of headway after the Indonesian tsunami. We should not let this opportunity slip away.