Humanitarian Toll Less Than Expected
The U.S.-British invasion's impact on Iraqi civilians has been less severe than some feared, an American relief coordinator said Monday. But U.N. chicken littles officials quailed said the power, water and medical breakdowns afflicting Iraq are "critical" and could worsen. "With each passing day, as the conflict continues, a humanitarian clock is ticking," said Wivina Belmonte of the U.N. Children's Fund.
"Please send us money for our corporate accounts!"
Michael Marx, leader of the U.S. government relief team for Iraq, said its prewar planning had been based on the prospect of millions of Iraqis fleeing their homes. "This is not a major humanitarian crisis," he said, "and we are happy about that."
Sounds like some "humanitarian" agencies aren't.
Posted by: Steve White 2003-04-08 |