But they still are usually among the first to provide real help when needed:

U.S. Army joins flood relief, rescue efforts in Pakistan

The U.S. Army joined efforts Thursday to rescue and provide assistance to some of the 4 million people affected by flooding that continues to cause massive devastation as it spreads across Pakistan.

U.S. helicopters — four Chinooks and two Blackhawks — helped evacuate 800 people who had been stranded in the northwest’s Swat Valley, and the choppers’ crews distributed 66,000 pounds of supplies, according to the U.S. Embassy here.

Although the relief missions are being coordinated with the Pakistani government, the presence of U.S. troops on the ground in Pakistan has the potential to cause controversy. U.S. motivations are widely mistrusted in Pakistan, and the addition of 84 U.S. service members could generate suspicion that U.S intentions go beyond providing humanitarian aid.

Still, on Thursday, the initial reaction was positive…

Just over a week ago:

Poll: Nearly 6 in 10 Pakistanis view US as enemy

Looks like this 2005 effort did not get much appreciation:

Earthquake Aid for Pakistan Might Help U.S. Image

Mark
Ottawa