(contd) Strategic political interpretation: the bane of the humanitarian act

"In Washington, Bush administration officials, members of Congress and analysts have suggested that the outpouring of humanitarian aid and the need for coordination could have positive results for U.S. and global security beyond saving lives.

One of the reasons for such efforts, Powell said Tuesday in Indonesia, is that "we believe it is in the best interest of those countries and it's in our best interest. It dries up those pools of dissatisfaction that might give rise to terrorist activity."

U.S. military commanders are hoping to improve ties with Indonesia's military, which they see as a potential ally in the war on terrorism despite a U.S. arms embargo because of concerns about human-rights violations during the East Timor conflict in the late 1990s."

[Gratitude for aid accompanied by suspicion of U.S., Hugh Dellios, Chicago Tribune]