and all the oil rich Muslim nations can muster up in donation to Pakistan is $20,000 (not counting Kuwait). What an absolute joke. India isn't even going to bother donating that much. Just more reasons for the locals to buy into the propaganda the Taliban feeds them and become more bitter and resentful towards the West. Perfect conditions for terrorism to thrive in. Where are Pakistani's Islamic brothers in this time of need? http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/10/pakistan-flood-international-aid#
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article95470.ece We are coordinating with UN organizations to distribute humanitarian and emergency relief supplies worth $100 million, which the Kingdom had earlier allocated to support victims of natural calamities in Pakistan,”
Turkey has donated US$ 5 million to Pakistan, in addition to 35 tones of humanitarian aid consisting of food packages, blankets, sleeping bags and beds. The country will further send three cargo planes with more supplies on 13 and 17 August.
Islamic Relief is distributing 3,570 family hygiene kits in Nowshera and Mardan districts benefitting 24,990 people. Also it is distributing 2,850 household kits (containing mattresses, mosquito nets etc.) and 2,850 kitchen sets to benefit 19,950 people.[63] Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi is working with the NGO in raising the aid for the disaster. [64]
On a related note, I wish Pakistan could adopt Ireland's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Tiger) approach to improving their economy. Even with the recent world financial crisis, they are better positioned than they were in the 1990's. Basically put aside all political differences for a decade and focus completely on the economy. I dunno if it will ever happen though. The country has potential but leadership there always shows promise then ends up corrupt/ineffective.
What do you think is the reason for that? Why can a country like Korea (where I am right now) be so successful (relatively speaking) and Pakistan seems to be almost stuck in medieval times?
Unfortunately, your medieval comment is quite fitting as much of the country seem like it is feudal. This article comments on some of the most glaring issues the country faces: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/19/world/asia/19taxes.html I can't really comment on why Korea is so successful.
The problem is leadership. I think the two Koreas are a perfect example of what can go right or wrong (relatively speaking).
It probably has something to do with their leaders being a bunch of thieves and illiterates .... and no it is not because of Islam as you are suggesting.
Giving to the Pakistani govt? Yeah that money will really end up helping the people in need? Is there a more corrupt govt in the world? Rant: I am a Muslim from India so my views are obviously biased. However I have absolutely nothing against my Paki brothers. My wife is Paki and as are most of my friends. One thing that irks the living crap out of me is overly proud Pakistanis. I mean what exactly is there to be proud about? Terrorism, poverty, corruption. I was in downtown a few days ago and there were these pick up trucks painted in Paki colors with Paki flags everywhere. Dudes with their face painted in Paki colors as well. I have lots and lots of Paki family members and alot of them are "proud" to be Pakistani. I can't understand it and it pisses the crap out of me. Always dogging on India but yet wanna watch every Bollywood movie that comes out. Sorry..../Rant
Being proud of any country is always a strange thing because you are usually born into that country, and its successes aren't really your achievements. Strangely, when a country has a lot of problems, this seems to reinforce nationalistic feelings rather than reduce them.
AMERICA AMERICA america the great america the good AMERICA AMERICA AMERIKA (Wait, screw off kafka) AMERICA!
