It really could be a golden opportunity.
That India and Pakistan can put aside their differences in the wake of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Southeast Asia Saturday is an indication of the desperation of the situation. It also creates an image that India and Pakistan could actually work together. The United States could gain a new image if its military were to step in and help in the relief efforts. Combining their efforts with a massive military earthquake relief operation led by the United States on behalf of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India could seriously help the U.S. image in a part of the world where it needs all the positive press it can get.
Estimates vary, but upwards of 30,000 have died and the United Nations said 2.5 million people living near the Pakistan-India boarder are without shelter due to the quake. The threat of infectious disease looms overhead for many. Winter fast approaches so the key for survival for most will be the speed with which they receive help. President Bush has pledged $50 million to the relief effort so far but something on the scale of the Berlin Airlift is needed. A large-scale American-led humanitarian operation could drastically help the situation of a largely Muslim population and, in turn, earn the respect of a region of the world that has never been America's biggest fan.
If the United States were to take part in a large relief effort, it would display the good our country can do first-hand to Islamic sects in the area who are dubious of our intentions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The distrust and anger they feel towards American foreign policy could be replaced by a sense of gratefulness towards U.S. efforts. There are approximately 152,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. We have military bases throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan so the logistics in mobilizing the military wouldn't be beyond their capacity, yet the benefits to America's image abroad would be immeasurable. The "battle for the hearts and minds" that was so integral to the early war on terror has had a rough go so far, so helping out earthquake victims would appeal to those we are trying to reach most.
Pakistan's President Musharaf has seen numerous attempts on his life by disgruntled countrymen who are against the alliance he made with America after 9-11. What better way to reward his loyalty than by sparing his country further calamites and displaying the real benefits of aligning with the United States? Many areas hit the hardest within Pakistan are breeding grounds for anti-Americanism, helping them would only lend credibility to U.S. efforts in bettering the lives of those within the region. What has proved to be a fertile recruiting ground for terrorists would dry up as more people came to the U.S. side. This would do more in stopping terrorism than bombing Iraq.
The United States is running record deficits while Osama is still at large. Instead of borrowing more money for an earthquake aid mission, monies appropriated for the war on terror should be redirected towards the relief effort. This would have long-term value in fostering better relations in the region between the United States and its adversaries. Spending the money now might lesson the hate emanating from radicalized Muslims. Osama might lose his Pakistani support if a major relief effort were conducted on their behalf.
An old hippie mantra declares, "make love not war." This is an instance where they might be on to something. By temporally diverting resources from the Iraq War effort to a relief mission, America would show the benevolence and compassion that make this nation great. It might hasten an end to the war on terror as well.
