In the aftermath of the tsunami in Japan, which has killed close to 10,000 people, there has been a great deal of effort around the world to provide relief to the country and its most damaged areas.
The United States has been at the forefront of that movement, as it has recently launched an ambitious relief effort. Last week, Operation Tomodachi (which means "friend" in Japanese) went into effect. The operation's purpose is to provide food, clothing, and water to the survivors.
As the massive effort has gone into effect, many have pointed out that this is a great opportunity for the U.S. to improve Japanese-American relations and let the eastern country know that the U.S. is on Japan's side.
While that may be true, and it is certainly nice to be in the good graces of a potentially key ally, it is important not to take away from what an admirable effort this is by the United States.
Improving relations with Japan could be a residual effect of this effort, but it is not the reason why the U.S. is there. Simply put, we're helping a country that sorely needs it.
It is important to remember that the United States has a long history of giving aid to other countries when they're in need. Consider the large amount of aid it provided Haiti with after its earthquakes last year, or the assistance it provided to Somalia in 1993. The U.S. has always of being there when other countries are faced with catastrophes.
Since Operation Tomodachi began, many people have pointed out that the U.S. does not provide an equal amount of relief to every country or cause that needs it. Some would like to see the U.S. provide more relief to causes such as the genocide in Darfur, or the gang warfare occurring in Mexico.
Indeed, there are many crises where the U.S. could be providing aid, however, that does not make its efforts in Japan any less noble.
Additionally, it is important to remember that the U.S. is often criticized for playing too much of a role in the affairs of foreign countries. Those wishing it would take on a greater role in other international issues would be wise to keep that in mind.
While it would be easy for cynics to question the motive behind Operation Tomadachi, or question why the U.S. doesn't provide similar relief elsewhere, at the end of the day what really matters is that Japan suffered a great tragedy, and the United States is doing everything in its power to soften the blow. That cannot be seen as anything other than a good thing.
