Pakistani flood victims and the U.S.

[sweeteviljesus]

It occurred to me that the tragedy in Pakistan presents an opportunity to do a little bridge-building in that community. To what extent is the U.S. assisting?

Thanks,
Rob

[Wallenstein]

Steadily increasing its contribution, the United States said it has now given some 90 million dollars towards flood relief, distributing the funds through the Pakistani authorities or relief organizations on the ground.

“These funds are being used to provide critical supplies to flood affected populations,” the State Department said in a statement.

“The US also is providing millions of dollars of additional in kind and technical assistance,” it said.

It said it is providing temporary bridges to replace those washed away, and that 18 US military and civilian military aircraft stationed in Pakistan and three in Afghanistan have been deployed in support of relief and rescue operations.

“US helicopters have evacuated 5,912 people and delivered 717,713 pounds of relief supplies,” it said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100818/pl_afp/pakistanweatherfloodsusdiplomacy

[GiantRat]

The US has also provided humanitarian aid, a few helicopters (diverted from Afghanistan combat missions), and the like. Ultimately, we can only provide what they will accept and/or what will not jeopardize the safety of our troops in a combat theater. I recently read a press conference transcript with a DoD public affairs officer who addressed this, and he indicated that we are willing to make more men/materiel available.

[smoke]

What is it you imagine we need to “bridge-build” for?