Haiti, gringos, Caudillo Chavez, politics

As the catastrophe in Haiti continues to claim lives, the initial horrified reaction of the world and the selfless offers of assistance become more and more mixed with petty politicking.

The US military's takeover of emergency operations in Haiti has triggered a diplomatic row with countries and aid agencies furious at having flights redirected. Brazil and France lodged an official ­protest with Washington after US military aircraft were given priority at Port-au-Prince's congested airport, forcing many non-US flights to divert to the Dominican Republic.

One politico, however, rose high above petty, getting his act to the level of his usual sublime idiocy:

"It appears the gringos are militarily occupying Haiti," Mr Chavez said. "Obama, send medicine, doctors and water - not more soldiers."

Gringos wisely preferred not to respond, which is unnecessary with Caudillo anyway. He enjoys his own voice without being bothered to listen to anyone.

On the other side of the world, the gringos are politicking too. While about 240 Israeli army folks deployed the first field hospital in Haiti and started saving lives, what do you think takes the central place in Guardian's coverage of Israel? Yep, it was a right guess:

Netanyahu aides dismiss ex-maid's allegations against his wife as lies

Of course, don't expect a mention of the hospital in Guardian (and most of other British news sources). It is not that I expect lavish praise - the help of this kind shouldn't be awarded by anything, including praise. But anyway:

The IDF's field hospital in the Haitian capital worked at full capacity throughout Sunday, treating a relentless stream of victims from what a senior IDF medical officer described as "the war outside." Overnight Saturday, in what staff described as one of the most fulfilling moments of their work, the Israeli doctors delivered a baby boy, whose mother, Gubilande Jean Michel, promptly declared would be named "Israel."

Which is, you would agree, much better than any praise.

So, dear Guardian, here it comes: