Homeland Security Policy Institute Releases Commentary on Disaster Diplomacy

Feb. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- The magnitude of the disaster faced by Haiti and its people last month spurred an understandably widespread and immediate response.  Like the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia or the 2003 earthquake in Iran, there are times when the scale of devastation wrought by Mother Nature is simply so great as to dwarf whatever traditional interstate rivalries, animosities, or mistrust that may exist.  While these times may be few and far between, they are arguably proof positive that nations and people can, and will, rise to the occasion when urgency demands, and reflect their better angels.  The more cynical and the hard-headed realists among us might also say that nothing is done without a purpose, and even in this case, there may be larger strategic considerations and motivations at play.

Though not well reported, Cuba, Venezuela, and China have all taken a role in assisting and furthering Haiti's recovery.  Cuba has provided field hospitals and 60 doctors to supplement its 400-strong medical staff presence that pre-dated the incident.  Venezuela's contribution includes medical and search & rescue teams (520 aid personnel), food (10,000 tonnes), fuel (225,000 barrels of diesel and gasoline), medicines, reconstruction machinery, and tents (30,000).  China has sent a 40-member medical team, a 60-member search & rescue team, and humanitarian aid in the form of cash and materials/supplies valued at over $12 million (US).  Irrespective of motive--indeed even if one were to ascribe entirely humanitarian and compassionate concern as the driver here--these efforts could also be adjudged to be sound strategy. Continue reading at: http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/policy/publicationType_comments...

Founded in 2003, The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) is a nonpartisan "think and do" tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach. By convening domestic and international policymakers and practitioners at all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and academia, HSPI creates innovative strategies and solutions to current and future threats to the nation. For additional information about HSPI, please visit our website: http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/index.cfm