Myanmar Government Refuses Aid

The death toll in Myanmar could reach as high as 100,000 if the isolationist military dictatorship does not accept more foreign aid, reports the New York Times. The government is refusing to give visas to relief workers and has restricted movement in the Irrawaddy Delta, the area hit hardest by Saturday's cyclone. France even suggested that the U.N. use its powers to force aid onto the country; supplies are currently being marshaled in Thailand. Sounds like a plan to me. But government officials say they're doing just fine - state-run media outlets have been releasing pictures of soldiers helping victims, giving the impression that the military is in control.

For Outside takes on Myanmar/Burma, see Stephanie Pearson's "See Mo' Evil" or Mark Jenkins's "The Ghost Road."

--Emily Matchar

Comments

[Ferdinand Burfopolis]

How can we possibly criticize Myanmar, when our own "Presidential Pinhead" George W, refused world aid to the victims of Katrina?

There are still people hurting in New Orleans, and we could have had assistance from others.

If Myanmar officials are refusing aid from the world, they can vote the politicians out of office, just like we will be doing in November!