What can I say about the tidal wave and its aftermath? It is so difficult to put anything into words - the pictures tell the story far better than any words can. It also shows that we humans cannot control the forces of Mother Nature.
Good to see Gordon Brown leading international efforts on debt relief. This will provide a moratorium on debt re-payments so the money can be spent on reconstruction. Indonesia and Sri Lanka pay about £3billion each in debt interest and clearly this would be better spent on rebuilding shattered communities. It is also pointless for the West to give emergency aid with one hand - such as the wonderful response by the British public - and then take it back in interest payments.
Need to make sure that needs of Africa are not forgotten. The Tsunami was an horrific event, brought vividly into living rooms by TV, in a similar way to the September 11th attacks. September 11th concentrated the minds of world leaders and brought money to fight global terror. The Tsunami must concentrate the same minds to find the resources to fight global poverty - especially as poverty and injustice is the best recruiting sergeant for global terror - so that in 2005 we can start to Make Poverty History.
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