All things being equal...

Strange how we forget the suffering brought on mankind by the warring nations of Europe, and the sacrifices made by the world in bringing it to and end. The death toll of over 50 million. It was the United States that implemented the Marshal Plan to ensure the rebuilding of the Western European economies and also led the charge to form the NATO alliance which kept peace in Europe. This plan also allowed these countries to develop the social security and health care systems they enjoy today. The verdict is still out as to what to do about states that defy basic human rights to their own citizenry and in addition provoke military response from the armies of countries they can only hope the defeat in a propaganda war. A number of European states would prefer to talk about the matter and use "diplomacy" for the foreseeable future, while there are those who will respond with military force often removing these regimes (usually not elected by popular vote) from office.

Whether one agrees that Saddam Hussein or the Taliban should have been removed from office, the need for help rebuilding these countries was discussed at the UN and unanimously agreed. Based on the responses from a number of these countries these days one wonders what the reason for lack of follow through on the committments made by this world body might be. One would think they knew the challenges involved with helping these countries. Where are they now?