Kashmir Tragedy

When a disaster like this comes along, we must repeatedly ask, why are the poor left to their own devices? Why is the state almost purposefully incompetent and inadequate in its response? This article by Aasim Sajjad goes further and revisits the painful recent history of Kashmir, while squarely framing it within the political economy of the region.

The difficult terrain has also complicated matters, and the UN has just recently claimed that this may be the worst logistical nightmare the agency has ever faced, even worse than the Tsunami. Aid contributions have been way below the enormous need, and have only trickled into the region through the high mountain roads. Here's the BBC article that also provides a link to some relief agencies.

The death toll has already passed that of the last 16 years of insurgency. However, the few positive signs of increased Indo-Pak cooperation seem dwarfed by the sheer size of this catastrophe.