There are many stories about Ei Htu Hta on the Web; the trip to Ei Htu Hta makes for a journalistic smash and grab; limited commitment is required to get in and out, the danger is trivial for the journalist, and so “reading caution” is in order. One hears of stories of journalists crossing the river only to do a quick stand-up, “Here we are in Burma,” and crossing back to Thailand. This has been common in Iraq and Afghanistan. The drama is dramatically meaningless.
The conditions in Ei Htu Hta are not good, but conditions appeared far better than I see in countless other places in many countries that are not at war. In fact, the people Ei Htu Hta probably live better than dozens of millions of Indians. I believe what this says is that private and international aid is having a positive impact here, but to keep aid flowing, some people think a glum face is needed. But why? The truth of these smiling kids in school can be taken as evidence that help is working.
A paradox, as within Afghanistan today, is that places at war, such as Helmand and Kandahar, sometimes get billions of dollars while other places in Afghanistan, such as Bamiyan, where little action occurs, get mostly forgotten. This is not to suggest a change in course, but only to shine a penlight for others to know.
No comment yet, add your voice below!