Haiti’s suffering is a result of calculated impoverishment

Some commentators in the Arab media have lauded American “relief” efforts in Haiti while sharply lamenting those who criticized the 11,000 men strong US military deployment that immediately followed the horrible devastating quake in that poverty stricken nation.  Their reasoning is that in times of calamities, human suffering should take precedence and contributions from the US lead the relief efforts so far as per the aid statistics published in the Guardian.

Despite the fact the total amount committed by the US to support hundreds of thousands of refugees many of them are still agonizing with their unattended injuries is the equivalent of a few hours spending on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; and despite the fact the per capita relief share of the US is so far less than that of the UAE; the basic premise holds.  Human suffering should take precedence over politics.  Yet, a Guardian piece by Seumas Milne (a genuine Briton; Seumas is a traditional Scottish name) masterfully articulates the reasons behind the cynicism that American efforts are facing across the world.  It clearly shows who is truly guilty of politicizing the catastrophic event at a time when everyone should be focused on getting aid to the victims ASAP.  It further offers deep insights on the root causes of the Haitians’ plight, for the elements of the Haitian scene are revealingly illuminated only when contrasted against a much needed historical backdrop.