WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- If Shakespeare were to write a tragedy today, it could well begin: "Alas poor Pakistan. I knew it well". Facing existential economic and security threats, it hardly needed a third, in this case the catastrophic "super flood" that became a massive water sword slashing through Pakistan's underbelly.
Estimates are that as many as 20 million of Pakistan's 170 million-180 million citizens could be driven from their land and homes. The consequences are catastrophic. Already excruciating power and food shortages will be even worse. Disease lurks. The World Bank says that Pakistan's economy could contract by 10-15 percent. In sum, this has become a Katrina affecting the whole country.
The Pakistani army has deployed 60,000 troops and most of its tiny fleet of helicopters to the relief effort. The army maintains that it will still prosecute the battle against insurgents and terrorists with equal vigor. However, given the magnitude of the flood damage and the need for army assistance, it is hard to see how those combat efforts can be sustained. UPI
