I never suggested Kohl should interfere with rescue operations. I suggested he should have stayed, at least with the foreign tourists, and played the role of world respected public figure who could speak first hand about the disaster and the needs of the locals on the ground. Had he requested to be briefed by the local authorities so he could speak to the world about the relief and aid needed, I'm certain they would have shown that diplomatic courtesy to him.

And as to the supposed American bashing here, give me a fucking break. The majority of posters here are Americans. Who better to speak to our own weaknesses and flaws? Would you all prefer they just be swept under the rug and we all agree with the Martin Gibsons of the world that being assholes is a just fine way to be?

And hey--in case none of you have noticed, in my recent posts I have criticized the governments of the region, the world development organizations, a German politician...but for some reason heric only sees criticism of Americans? Looks like someone is very selective in their blindness to the truth.