by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright January 4, 2005
All Rights Reserved.

hen the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami devastated South Asia, few imagined it could turn into a public relations windfall for the U.S. President George W. Bush's somewhat delayed response, pledging an initial $35 million, drew criticism, both at home and abroad, reinforcing, at least to some, that the White House holds little sympathy for the Islamic world. Sending Secretary of State Colin Powell and his brother Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as ambassadors of goodwill, the administration finally got it right. “What it does in the Muslim world, the rest of the world is giving an opportunity to see American values in action,” said Powell, after meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country at 298-million, sustained the most casualties and property damage, with estimates around 90,000 – 100,000 deaths.

      Osama bin Laden continues to paint the U.S. occupation of Iraq as a Christian/Zionist crusade against Islam, creating a public relations nightmare in the eyes of the Muslim world. U.S. recovery efforts threaten to reverse unflattering images of prisoner abuses and military brutality. "America is not an anti-Islamic, anti-Muslim nation. America is a diverse society. We respect all religions,” said Powell, capitalizing on the current American rescue operation. Powell pledged continued U.S. support and technology to help identify victims, and, at the same time, develop a warning system in the Indian Ocean and China Sea. President Bush appointed his father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush, and former President Bill Clinton to spearhead a massive fund-raising campaign, to augment government help. Both presidents intend to tap private and corporate donors.

      Surveying the damage, Powell and Jeb witnessed firsthand the tsunami's catastrophic damage to Thailand's Phuket beach resort area, a favorite destination for European and American beachgoers. Thai officials asked Powell for the resources to build a tsunami warning system. “We'll do everything we can to contribute,” said Powell, shifting attention from the $350-million grant to private sector fundraising now expected to raise millions more. U.S. military presence sends a loud signal to foreign governments that the world's last superpower intends to take charge. Other countries have contributed but the humanitarian use of the armed forces dampens Islamic propaganda about U.S. intentions. Despite wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. takes the highroad in South Asia. American help now leads recovery efforts and occupies world headlines.

      Supplying massive military assistance has incalculable benefit to survivors inside the devastation zone. It's one thing to promise aid or donate to the International Red Cross, it's still another to move resources to afflicted areas. “Everybody thinks you can just magically move aircraft, helicopters and aircraft carriers across and oceans in a day . . . it's not just money. It's food, water, medical supplies. It takes time to generate such effort,” said Powell responding to criticism on ABC's “Good Morning America” that the U.S. was slow to act. “We share this experience,” said Gov. Jeb Bush, speaking about widespread destruction from last year's hurricanes. Powell gives Jeb instant international visibility, perhaps signaling future presidential ambitions. Offering the U.S. military more aid scores immeasurable public relations points at home and in the eyes of world opinion.

      Competing with other global powers like Japan and Russia, the U.S. takes the lead in offering assistance. Japan has already kicked in $500-million, eclipsing all other countries in outright dollars. But now that Powell has surveyed the damage, it's likely the White House will pony up more. “We are in solidarity with you as you deal with the crisis,” said Powell, telling Thai officials that the U.S. intends to lead the relief effort. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India sustained most of casualties and property damage. International governments have pledged more than $2-billion, with more help on the way from private charities. Powell plans to represent the U.S. at a multinational conference designed to coordinate recovery efforts in Jakarta. Powell's stature—and experience—gives the White House a steady hand, reassuring countries about future U.S. involvement.

      Natural cataclysms have a strange way of bringing people together. South Asia's tsunami disaster gives the U.S. its first high-profile non-combatant opportunity since Sept. 11. Leading the way in recovery efforts should help repair PR damage from the Iraq war, largely opposed by the international community. Powell's mercy mission goes a long way in reminding the world that the U.S. can be counted on in times of global disaster. While the U.S. hasn't yet signed the Kyoto protocol, it's now proving it can be a good neighbor when it counts. Leading the recovery efforts help reverse relentless propaganda by Islamic radicals, seeking every chance to attack U.S. credibility. “But right now I would say things are going exceptionally well when you consider we're eight days into this,” said Powell. Bringing good will, delivering help and building hope are bound to pay off.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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