The UN and scores of relief agencies, right this very moment, are prepared to act.
But the fundamental question is; What will the military junta in Burma do? Reports are coming out that the junta will accept relief assistance but this is unfortunately an uphill climb with a long history in Burma.
To what extent will relief organizations be allowed to assist?
Who will be permitted in Burma and who will not?
And most importantly, for those aid groups allowed in Burma, how much unrestricted time will they have before they are kicked out?
This is the historical record for the generals treatment of humanitarian aid workers. It would seem that even though this is a devastation of a natural course, that wouldn't change.
it is wise never to overestimate the common sense or underestimate the callousness of this, one of the world's most paranoid regimes.
Burma reportedly will also be going ahead with the referendum vote. This is very much in the junta's character. In fact, it is to their advantage. While the spotlight is focused on those who so desperately need help, criticism of the referendum will more easily be overlooked by a world with a familiar tendency to do so all the same. How can the international community not recognize this? How much effort can we expect from the generals to see to the needs of those effected by cyclone Nargis when the military has been systematically intimidating the public to support the referendum.
Intimidation in Burma is rather simple to do. Not much has to be suggested for one's mind to consider the endless techniques of brutal treament from the junta. The militaries practices and the abandonment of the people in Burma, is not unlike, the aftermath of a cyclone.
