In case nobody "blogging" to this article has noticed, China currently has its own fish to fry.

Laurence Tenney, San Francisco,

If we "do nothing" (except send aid) the liberals blame the West. If we invade to save lives we will end up in another war, killing the people we're supposedly there to save, and the liberals will blame the West for our 'crusading' ways. Liberals are never happy, don't bother listening to them.

Ed, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Don't airdrop anything. If we hit one person with a loaf of bread Bush will be accused of starting a genocide and Cheney will be accused of hitting people with bread in order to benefit Haliburton. Before this is all over someone will suggest Rove planned this to help Republicans win back the house.

Jorge, Pensacola, USA

US & UK citizens are expected to take the blame for disasters worldwide But ask for help from Russia or China via the UN, Arab Nations, Nepad and derisory comments come from all sorts FOR ONCE understand PEOPLE ARE DYING - LETS INVADE - WHICHEVER COUNTRY YOU'RE FROM - STOP BLAMING - SAVE LIFES NOW!!

LT, Warminster, UK

In response to "It's Bush's fault.How in God's name can a cyclone that hits any country be his fault?! I'm no Bush fan but come on,seriously, how can the man be blamed for this catastrophy? Can we also blame him for the Chinese earthquake and the inevitable complaints about rescue efforts there?

Jeff, Cincinnati, USA

My big fear is that the US will get involved in this tragedy and we will ultimately be blamed for the deaths that occur there. Let's let the world figure this one out and pass on helping out for once. Let some one else take the blame. Remember how we were blamed for Iraq and other tragedies.

Bobby Smith, San Diego,

Jay of Chicago, American Arrogance? Are you kidding me? Millions of Burmese/Myanmarans lives are at stake and we are trying to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering. You want to call that arrogance? Just what values are we trying to impose on the Myanmarans that you oppose? Compassion?

Justin, Panama City, USA

Certain Republican officials have propped this regime up, so it's suffice to say that while technically not Bush's fault...he and his party have some explaining to do.

But that's neither here nor there. We, as a human race, need to step in and help. The ability to do so is there.

Mike, Struthers, Ohio, USA

I thought Rambo killed all the bad guys in Burma in the last movie.

Seriously though: What is it with Stallone and his ability to create movies that somehow directly correlate to future world events. First Russia, then Afghanistan, now Burma?

Go Stallone!!!

Bring John Rambo in there for real!!!

Jason, BR, US

If nothing is done, this will be Bush's Rwanda.

Stew, Naples, FL, USA

While I agree that there is a severely lacking response from the world at large concerning the response - or at least an effective response, it CANNOT be compared to Iraq.

The U.N. had many, many resolutions calling for action in Iraq. They haven't done that yet here. So we wait...........

Jim, Jabriya, Kuwait

I believe that Burma should be told to leave the UN as it has no intentions of helping it's people.
War always has casulties, and there are no winners in war, but we have to ask ourselfs what is the cost of lives lost in a war to open Burma's borders compared to helping the thousands after....

Harry, Cam, England

Quite simple actually to all who want to know why not air drop? Flying into Burmese air space without permission (which we do not have) is considered an act of war.

Kevin, New York, USA

Rose, Alexandria, VA, US, you referenced New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, but you did not get your facts straight.
President Bush COULD NOT send in any help AT ALL without the consent of the state of Louisiana. Because La wouldn't give permission, the National Guard couldn't help until AFTER!

Meredith, Portland, Oregon, USA

Just a minute..."America left the black population of New Orleans to drown" ?? Keep in mind that this city had a weeks notice of the coming catastrophe, an evacuation plan which the mayor admits that he did even read, and about 1000 school buses left to sink into the mud unused.

Kevin, Scottsdale, Az., US

More Western arrogance. We must do something because we must impose our values on the rest of the world and force our way into places where we aren't wanted. We start throwing around words like "genocide" and ascribe evil motives to Myanmar's rulers. If they choose not to ask for our help, so be it.

Jay, Chicago, USA

Western leaders need to arrange with the Chinese leaders to transfer their aid to Chinese military aircraft in Singapore. The Chinese deliver the aid and provide medical personnel too. The junta is happy, the West is happy, the victims are happy, and the Chinese are happy to look good. Win X 4.

Randy, USA,

The comparison between this and Iraq is falsely based. The U.N. has officially done nothing here. Except complain. With Iraq they had numerous resolutions authorizing action. Until the U.N. acts, the U.S., and others, must wait. While more people die.

Jim, Jabriya, Kuwait

Randy McHenry

But the Chinese simply don't have the experience or the systems in place to distribute the aid, which is a major sticking point. China simply does not have large-scale NGOs or aid agencies with the experience of their Western equivalents.

John Storm, London, UK

But didn't the general look good on camera? These leaders care about power and control; people in their country are just a nuisance they have to deal with. They don't care if a million die, as long as they stay in control. The U.S. should set this one out, let the wonderful U.N. figure it out.

Steven, Batesville, United States

Time Magazine is now calling for the US invasion of Burma.

I must be dreaming. Doesn't that first require months of UN hearings, Russia and China's permission and the forbearance of the French media?

What if a soldier dies? As we all know, there should be no casualties in war.

John, Northampton, USA

here we go again! People, airdropping food to a country that has said no creates another issue for any country, especially the US. The story would read, "US drops food in violation, fighting breaks out over food control",,"situation made worse by US intervention" so this is a no win.

willie, richmond, usa

Someone said: The U.N. ignored Rwanda slaughter... (the world blamed the USA).
Maybe the US does not know it, but the World has it right. I know, a Canadian general asked for 1500 troops to stop it. What COUNTRIES in the UN do you think said no? It was the US and Britain. That is a fact.

Bob, Edmonton, Canada

In response to reader from Carac who commented:

George Bush and "The Americans" did not cause this disaster, nor do we wish it upon anyone in the world. As an American, I find it appalling to think that a government is so incompetent as to render itself useless, and its citizens helpless in this.

Daniel Gilbert, Chicago, USA

Very tragic indeed, but I am tired of providing aid to foreign countries. We have our own problems.

Tronn, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

My heart aches especially for the innocent children caught up in this mess. I pray the Lord will soften the hearts of the government to allow aid in. If they don't, I wouldn't want to be them on judgement day.

Sue L., Vinton, VA, USA

Looking at the comments here people don't seem to understand that parachuting supplies in has an inherent problem, namely that unless you secure the drop zone the aid has a habit of landing on peoples heads.

Bry Barnes, Somerset, Uk

How can the bad Americans just sit by. It is all the Repbulicans fault. Bush and Carl Rove and the right wing conspiracy and the big oil corporations are all guilty of this natural disaster. How can they do this to the world. If Obama was President, this wouldn't have happened!

John May, san juan capistrano, USA

First the tsunami and now this, George Bush and the Americans should be ashamed. I'm not surprised that their puppet government in Burma is treating their own citizens this way.

Icatma, Carac., Ven.

I would like to see the bodies before I would believe the inflated numbers of dead. No wonder they only want money and no one can fly over or come in, we shouldn't throw money at everyone who claims biblical proportions disaster unless we can verify the facts.

Joan Clemens, Colton, USA

Regime, weapons and theft are at the heart of it. In the far east regime drifted away from ideology some time ago. The regime is now the end in itself and has been fine tuned by years of practice. Exporting regime is just one more product from the Big Evil Empire and we all know who they are.

Boris, Belgravia, London

Does anyone else get the sense that the death estimates are simply being ratcheted up so they can top yesterday's headlines?

We've gone from 15k to 50k to 100k to 250k, now a million. Why stop there? With disease setting in, it could be ten million, maybe even a hundred million.

John, Northampton, USA

What is disturbing is the "flyover restrictions applied by unnamed countries" comment. In a time like this where the death toll is already this high and help is needed immediately, you would think that countries would put aside their petty differences to allow help to reach those who need it.

Scott T, San Dimas, CA, USA

Yeah--and who do you think should bring those Burmese officials to the tribunal? There's only one country in the world that could do it-and we've been so ridiculed over removing a tyrant that was 10x worse than these guys (and who the Europeans were enabling) that we shouldn't lift a finger.

John, Frisco,

Babies, mothers, daughters and sons, are dying by the hundreds of thousands. How can a civilized country or countries stand by without immediate emergency intervention to save lives? Those in power that do nothing have blood on their hands, no matter what country those in power represent.

Jack A, Dubai, UAE

Lets not forget this is all George Bush's fault.

kmpk, detroit, usa

Under Chairman Mao directives, over 10 million Chinese were murdered for 'egalitarian' purposes. We are seeing the natural and horrific continuum of Communism - albeit defeated, nevertheless, just as morally bankrupt in China/Russia/Burma response to this tragedy. The UN is just as bad.

Daisy, New York , USA

Tim from Dallas has it right: Air-drop lots of guns and let the Burmese sort it out.

Daisy, New York , USA

Winston Churchill was right about the UN. It is an ineffectual, self-interested institution (with a few notable exceptions). When will someone create a UN bis that will restore order and justice in counrtries ruled by tyrants? I'm ready- who will follow?

michael brookes, Orgerus, France

Maybe we should just airdrop guns and let the PEOPLE OF BURMA! solve thier own (leadership) problems!

Tim, dallas, usa

The Burmese government is effectively engaging in genocide through negligence. The UN should set up an international tribunal similar to those that deal with crimes against humanity committed in former Yugoslavia and Rwanda that would initiate proceedings against the military junta.

Jan F, London, UK

It's horrible to see this problem for the wonderful people of Myanmar. We've traveled the country and found the people warm and generous. However, comments show how we get into quagmires. Demanding government action without considering consequences. When will you ever learn?

William, Denver, USA

The UN is useless whenever it tries to do anything. And just about everthing it does try is a failure.
What do you think the USA and The UK should do invade the place. No one is ever happy with the Americans or the Brits are They?
This is a disaster made all the more worse due to a Burma Govt

scotty, Palm Bay, FL, USA

In my understanding and perception this is simply an excuse to do some "population control and culling." Tell why this is not and would not be true.

Donald Liveley, Brigham City, USA

The United Nations is more the problem than the solution. The whole institution is neutered by infighting. There is no solution that will work where a soverign nation refuses help. If we invade, would we go alone? What would the rest of the world think? Our troups are tied up in Iraq. Good luck.

L S Thatcher, Langley Washington, USA

We can airdrop all we want, but as long as the Myanmar dictatorship commandeers all the aid intended for the helpless people, it will be an exercise in futility. The populace , unfortunately, is doomed to sickness and starvation, and there is little the world can do to help.

Spencer McDougal, Philadelphia PA, USA

"But for the hundreds of aid workers who have flown into Bangkok from around the world"

Perhaps a more intelligent way would be; to assemble the aid workers in China-obtaining a Visa for Myanmar is more organized and easy to obtain in modern Beijing – and so are the Airlifts-open as I read in China Daily since last week Wednesday- aid is arriving from China without delay.

mao tao, shanghai, china

While it seems like a no-brainer to just air lift supplies into the country to save the people, the problems multiply once those supplies get there.

Any people in a desperate situation would find it difficult to serve the rest of the people and be able to safely and securely apportion that food.

Ted, New York , USA

Whatever happened to that UN official living in New York who was so vociferous in his denunciation of George Bush and the United States after the tsunami disaster. You don't hear a peep from the guy. Could it be that the disaster in Burma isn't an opportunity to bash the US again?

Brian cochran, Los Angeles, USA

The US and other western countries should start air dropping relief in. To hell with the junta. If they don't like it, negotiate for their post-crisis crimes against humanity charges. I was in Burma 20 years ago and it was very sad then to watch people struggle against the regime.

rustin chrisco, bentonville, usa

The international community should stop using the words "sovereign airspace" or "sovereign leaders" when it comes to Burma. The ruling junta is a gang of criminals and should be treated as such. So stop pleading with these thugs and do what is morally right until it's too late .

Sal, Houston,TX, USA

Could it be that the US and UK hesitate to go in for fear that they'll be accused of trying to build an empire? After the hell they caught for trying to help the people of Iraq, who could blame them.

Tom Troughton, Nampa, Idaho, USA

In response to America allowed Katrina to "wipe out their neighborhoods...never to be brought back"--
--a friend of mine told me he saw TRUCKLOADS of food sent by churches
--the federal government providing BILLIONS
and much more

Chester Lum, Stockton, California, USA

I wish the mighty and powerful friend of Burma, China should pick up the responsibilities now. Burma need both aids material and human skills. Right now, no time to loose. You will be appreciated and honored for that. It also translated to having a 'yang' power for our China.

Ah Lim, LA, USA

The people of burma now know their choice - die from Government neglect and indifference, or walk into the guns and bullets of the Hunta. Either way they die, but one way they die with dignity and for a just cauuse, FREEDOM from opression. Burma needs a people's revolution.

Malsol Kraskes, Shanghai, China

If those leaders do not want America's help. So be it. America tried to help the Iraqi people by taking out Saddam. You where that got us. As an American, I am tired of having the world condemn us for any/all reasons. I say, forget Myanmar (Burma). Let China, Russia, deal with it.

Juan Garcia, Austin, Texas, USA

Yes, of course. Lets turn a story about the Chinese backed military regime letting hundreds of thousands of people die into another blame America story. What is wrong with you people? No one gives more aid than the US. They give more than the next 10 countries combined. Get real.

Bruce, Washington DC, USA

One more point, why don't they do some aid air drops? The Burmese have no airforce and probably pitiful anti-aircraft defences. The area is partially flooded, but the waters are receding and there are plenty of pockets of land. It might be a violation of their airspace, but doing nothing is absurd.

Victor Mackey, London, England

All these people saying "oh the US was quick to invade iraq but now..." you can take that stuff and shove it. If we offer aid and the ruling generals refuse to take it, we are NOT justified in any action to force it upon them, nor would I want to. Do not use a tragedy to forward your own politics

Chuck, Baton Rouge, USA

The U.N. ignored Rwanda slaughter, Darfur, took bribes from Saddam Hussein with oil for food while Iraqi chidren starved to death (the world blamed the USA). A few out of control keepers at Abu Ghraib get convicted and imprisoned USA gets blamed. When crap hits the fan, the USA MUST Save the World

Dottie, Ann Arbor, USA

Western leaders need to arrange with the Chinese leaders to transfer their aid to Chinese military aircraft in Singapore. The Chinese deliver the aid and provide medical personnel too. The junta is happy, the West is happy, the victims are happy, and the Chinese are happy to look good. Win X 4.

Randy, McHenry, USA

The Burmese people need money and resources, Simply. Enough with the political debate. Just send them what they need - $$$$$ - and make sure they get it.

Tracey , Seattle, United States

It's pretty sad to think that a neighboring country would not allow air traffic to fly over with aid to these people ! As for the Burmese officials , it would almost seem that they are using a natural disaster as a form of genocidal population control !

WallyBoy, Wilmington , Ma., U.S.A.

Let's see, the US is half a world away. Burma's biggest supporter is China, right next door. Maybe China should step up and take the lead. After all the Chinese keep telling the world how they want to be part of the international community. Here is their chance to avert a humanitarian disaster.

mike, newport,

It doesn't surprise me that the US haters in this crowd are already blaming Bush because the Myanmar Junta won't allow relief supplies into that country. So what is the US supposed to do, people? Take over Myanmar to save it? We already tried that in Iraq, and you didn't like that either.

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

Air drops will only have limited effect. What's required are teams that are capable of providing medical services and clean water as well as civil engineers that can start restoring basic services that will allow the people of Burma to stand up. If the junta won't allow this they should be forced.

Kevin, Fort Mill South Carolina, USA

The case for war.

If ever I saw a case for taking out a government this is certainly it.

The Taliban needed removing from power 10 years before the 9/11 atrocity but nobody did anything.

Saddam Hussein the same, nobody removed him from power for far too long.

Too little too late, every time.

Neil, Coventry,

Burma should be booted out of the UN and China who supports the junta should be too. Or boycott the Beijing Olympics. Its about time, protesters should send a very strong message to all Burmese embassies their disgust of how they are treating their own people.

Umah , Atlanta, USA

Burma's way of getting rid of "surplus population" is not all that remarkable. Wasn't it just a short time ago that America left its poor black population in New Orleans to drown... and wipe out their neighborhoods... never to be brought back? The generals don't understand humanitarian relief!

Rose, Alexandria, va, US

Invasion is out of the question. That would take MONTHS to plan and then implement. By then it would be too late, and would cost even more lives. Not to mention we are otherwise occupied in Iraq. But why the heck not drop supplies by air? If the military junta objects, too bad. Air drop now!

David, Boerne, USA

This Junta is receiving support from some major player i.e. the Saudis or the Chinese or the Russians. Like all tinpot despotic regimes this recieve financial and military aid? I suspect the Chinese support this particular one given its proximity. Just as the Chinese support the Sudanese regim.

Jack London, San Francisco, UsA

Democracy for Iraq but not for Burma, seen that movie before.

Duane M. Navarre, OKC, USA

Genicide.

Mike, Baraboo, WI

Jay Tee, Bush has done enough, he doesn't need this event to prove anything. I am really thinking this is an ethnic cleansing situation, but sad nonetheless.

jason, Fort Worth, USA

Oil and natural gas are major Myanmar exports. Total of France is the biggest Western oil investor. Thailand, China, and India are also major investors. Suspected and proven natural gas reserves are among the largest in Southeast Asia. Learn more about the country before speaking about it.

Philip, San Francisco, USA

why cant they drop aid packages from the air over effected areas bypassing the need to land etc?
The Burmese regime should get the attention of the US not Iran, oh wait theres no oil in Burma....

Ivan Dobski, London, UK

If the US goes in, I'll be looking for all your anti-US comments next week. Somehow, it will all be Bush's fault.

Jay Tee, Clinton, United States

I used to think FEMA handled the Katrina situation poorly, but after seeing Burma fumble and stumble around, I think FEMA did an outstanding job.

John, Birmingham, US

Is this ethnic cleansing by the Junta of the Kayen by disaster

Jack Ayre, Wakefield, England

The people of the world love each other but our Governments only care about themselves. Just another example of leadership failing it's people.

Vincent, Houston, Texas

Just parachute the supplies in for now.

Blair, Niagara, canada

This is quite simple. Burma controls all avenues in, out and around the country. In by no means do they rule their own skies. Britain and the US can easily air drop supplies throught out Burma. Now...will China allow such an incursion into soverign Burmese air space?

Richard, Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA

Isn't it funny that the whole world loves to complain about the U.S. and U.K. and how terrible we are and how stupid our leaders are -- BUT then when there is an emergency or someone needs to invade a country or overthrow a government -- the U.S. gets called in? Wow Incredible...

Bruce, norton, USA

The world needs to unite together (US, UK, Europe, etc.) and go into Burma whether the junta government likes it or not. The people in Burma need your help desperately and urgently. Time is running out. The Burmese Junta is committing one of the biggest humananitarian crimes globally.

Kristal Dimple, Perth,

US and EU should not wait any longer to act. One day delay costs many more lives and the outbreaks of starvation and diseases would only be prevented on time if they act quickly.
What are we waiting for? These generals are sick minded and they won't let any major aids in any time soon.

win naing, New York City, USA

Surely the US and UK must go in with food and other aid whether the Generals like it or not ?. It looks very odd that the US and UK jumped at chance of going into Iraq, but when it comes to Burma and Zimbabwe no one seems to want to know. WHY ??.

John, Woking, Surrey

After the last victim is buried the world must back the UN in bringing the generals to justice for crimes against humanity, also the 'accomplice' countries that have been at least sanguin about the outrageous conduct of this illegitemate regime - I should say psycopathic, kleptocrat, drug-pedlars.

Julian Pieniazek, Nakhin Ratchasima, Thailand

Tom Hughes-Davies

If it saves lives, I am sure it would have been appreciated by many people, not least those who were in serious distress. But the US was not denying aid to New Orleans.

D Harper, London, UK

Yes i would think China with its vast resources and people and military would be able to move in pretty fast and set things up. The USA already has ships with food by there but we arnt allowed to help so i dont know what any other nations excuse is. The UN will debate it while kids die.

William, Atlanta, USA

INVADE BURMA NOW !!!!!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

It is very convinient for Bush and Brown and rest of the world leaders to blame the military government in Burma for the aid not reaching the needy ,helpless and oppressed in there.

I do not understand why on earth can they impose aid and get on with the job in a situation more drastic than Iraq.

Kirit Lakhani, Leicester, United Kingdom

With a military force totalling 488,000 then aid and assistance should be pretty straightforward for the generals. Time for UN to act with Britain taking the lead with......no spare miltary force or disaster support. If China doen't provide aid NOW then an Olympics boycott should be called for.

Richard Hoblyn, Limoges, FRANCE

What would America's reaction have been to foreign planes dropping water, flapjacks and plastic sheets on New Orleans? The arrogance of aid agencies is self defeating.

Tom Hughes-Davies, Fordingbridge, England

When you are in deed, and the others give you a hand, accept the help, and you will get through the plight. Everyone will be happy that you do this. Don't be stubborn, and your people are needing immediate helps! Don't a child any more! Even, don't regard your people as grass!

Norm, Zhejiang, China

There should be a non-military non specific goverment sub part of the UN that deals with humanitarian disasters.

If we do nothing it is equivilent to standing by and watching the jews, and catholics and communists being murdered by the nazis.

Watch and do nothing - we are equally guilty

Trish Niblock, Edinburgh, Scotland UK

While I appreciate the UN and NGO's are unable to respond in a normal way with this disaster, I think that relief agencies must find alternative ways to reach populations which might include working through local government structures. Governments friendly to Burma could also move into help eg China

Mark Mullan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong