Too nice, as ever

The last time the UN had balls was Korea, when we took advantage of Russia having left the building to declare war. That meant we went in shooting as UN troops. Not the blue-bereted non-shooters like the African 'interventions', but at least we had the cover of international diplomacy. Burma should get the same treatment, not this: "Myanmar should open an air and sea corridor to allow emergency aid in large quantities to reach the country quickly and prevent disease causing a second catastrophe after Cyclone Nargis, the United Nations said." "The U.S. has repeatedly criticized Myanmar's military, which has ruled the nation since 1962, over its corrupt and oppressive rule. Bush said two days ago the world 'ought to be angry' at the way the junta has delayed the relief effort." "Air drops of food to people in affected areas, as advocated by some international groups, probably wouldn't work, aid organization Oxfam said in a statement. The problem with drops is that 'in many cases, it's the strongest and fittest who get to the aid first and not the sick or injured', said Jane Cocking, a spokeswoman for the group. A ground operation is the best way to save lives and to ensure aid is targeted at the most vulnerable people, she said. "Myanmar government officials have distributed some materials to affected areas, in exchange for payment to be collected from villagers at a later date, according to the Democratic Voice of Burma, a dissident publication. It cited an unidentified resident of Bogalay as saying that international aid supplies including plastic sheets are being sold by soldiers and other pro-government groups."

Rico says in air drops won't work (which he doubts), Plan B now becomes Plan C: a full-blown invasion to deliver supplies, and devil take the foremost among the Burmese military who put up any opposition. If we can't push around some stupid little country like Burma, we shouldn't be calling ourselves a world power...