Massive earthquake devastates Pakistan
A massive earthquake, centered in Pakistan, killed over 50,000 people and left over 3 million people homeless. The worst damage hit the Kashmir region, which is disputed by the Pakistani and Indian governments. It was the region’s worst earthquake in more than a century.
The initial deployment of eight U.S. helicopters to aid earthquake survivors was pathetic in view of the resources available. More U.S. assistance is expected, but the U.S. military presence in the region is not based on aid or assistance. Eighteen thousand U.S. troops occupy neighboring Afghanistan, and hundreds of military bases are scattered throughout the region.
U.S. military buildup amid Central American floods
More than 2,000 people are feared dead in Guatemala after Hurricane Stan caused heavy rains, flooding and mudslides in early October. Hundreds more died in nearby El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico.
While the search for survivors continued, the U.S. government convened a meeting with Central American military and security ministers. They hope to form a “regional peacekeeping unit” to fight “narcoterrorism,” weapons trafficking, and gangs and to “improve border security” and natural disaster response. (AP, Oct. 12)
This buildup, taking place amid the growing misery caused by the storms, is part of the U.S. campaign to confront growing leftist movements in Venezuela, Colombia and the rest of the continent.
Photo: App/Sipa
Photo: Reuters/Daniel Aguilar
