Prospects for Friday, 16 May
- 16 May 08, 10:27 AM
Today's programme producer is Dan Kelly - here's his morning e-mail to the production team...
Burma and China
The loss of life and injuries caused by the cyclone in Burma and the earthquake in China have been extraordinary. What are the facts on the ground (how does the foreign office come to a figure of 217,000 dead in Burma for example)? How have the authorities responded? Will both countries ever be the same again? Let's look at both crises separately and in detail and discuss how the international community should react. Which guests would you like on?
Zimbabwe
We have an interview with the US ambassador in Zimbabwe, who was recently held by the authorities for daring to investigate the beatings handed out to MDC members by Zanu PF. We have a first hand account and pictures of these attacks from a journalist who recently went in to the country. Tsvangirai is in Belfast, we are trying to get an interview.
Other thoughts and guest suggestions are all welcome.
Comment number 1.
At 16th May 2008, bookhimdano wrote:is burma govt action a crime against humanity?
it is a nice idea to think govt is about working for the well being of the nation but is that all it is? A nice idea?
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Comment number 2.
At 16th May 2008, mongodavies wrote:On Burma - with all of the dead people lying about and many people malnourished and with polluted water aren't we going to see a massive disease break out and spilling out beyond. I would have thought that people are cohabiting with their livestock often (pigs and poultry) so bird flu then comes into play?
How likely is that to happen - what is the view of the WHO etc. How about a WHO interview?
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Comment number 3.
At 16th May 2008, Oldunelm wrote:I would like to hear from the main charity representatives as to what progress (if any) is being made due to the attitude of Burma's government.
Early this week I received an appeal letter from Christian Aid, it said that this is the worst disaster to hit South-East Asia since the 2004 tsunami and that the Burmese government had taken the unprecedented step of calling for international support, also that Christian Aid had already allocated £50,000 to help affected communities.
The impression I get from the media is that the Burmese government does not want any outside help.
What is the situation? Do we send donations or are the charities just using this to build up their funds?
The letter is signed by CA's head of Asia and the Middle East
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Comment number 4.
At 16th May 2008, barriesingleton wrote:FUZZY ABOUT THE WHOLE GOOD/BAD THING
The parallel between infrastructure destruction that comes from ‘just war’ and infrastructure detruction that comes from extreme natural cause is underwritten in the ensuing, hunger, disease, desperation and death.
Britain has shown herself as ready to wreak the former as she is to relieve the latter; indeed, the same officers of government can be heard espousing both.
Might some input from a psychologist or philosopher be appropriate?
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