I am not in Burma and am not an aid worker. For that reason I am ready to be convinced that there are logistical reasons why dump-and-run operations from ships offshore are impractical, even if Rangoon airport remains closed. I am less persuaded by the Pentagon’s reluctance to extend possibly hostile activities this far into south-east Asia, or by some aid agencies who value their relations with odious regimes too much to welcome unauthorised drops.

– Extracted from Simon Jenkins, “As Burma dies, our macho invaders sit on their hands”, The Guardian, 14 May 2008. Thanks to long-time New Mandala reader Matt for pointing out this piece from Britain’s major center-left daily.