Lessons from Somalia...by a Security professional

In the aftermath of the death of Faizul in Mogadishu, some have found it right to comment on it no matter how the reason goes. Here, I am merely making my observations.

Yesterday, I said Raising Another Idiotic Statement is a clear example of people wanting to just 'weigh in' on the issue, linking to various articles and comments of course.

But yesterday, a journalist saw it fit to take it one step further, by saying that the mission was ill prepared. I couldn't quite make out his point, but it seemed to me that he was also trying to say at the same time that a similar assignment that he was on back in 2003 had led to the death of a couple of volunteers in the car that he was in, and 'unprepared' seems to be the message he is sending out. I could be wrong.

But today, after speaking to a former editor, I was told that any journalist worth his salt would know that he is ultimately responsible for the assignment given to him, and that would mean too that his media organisation that sent him would be his keeper. Not the organisers, and certainly not the government.

Today, as others jump on the bandwagon to make their views heard, we see politicians (mostly from the opposition) saying that all this was a cheap publicity for UMNO. Wow! How quickly and easy to point fingers.

I wonder if the Bosnians thought of Tun Dr Mahathir's assistance then when they were crucified by the Serbs as an UMNO or Malaysian humanitarian effort.

So back to making statements. Isn't it all the more credible if one was to quote an expert every now and then? And who checks on the source anyway?

Yesterday in the Malay Mail, it quoted a Director of International Association of Counter-terrorist and Security Professionals as giving tips to how to avoid turning humanitarian aid missions into tragedies.
However peculiar it may sound to us (I disagree that Malaysian Media personnel should refrain from identifying themselves with the Jalur Gemilang, however I have never been to the front) professional advise is always reassuring, isn't it?

Today, Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, a non governmental organisation has reiterated its stand on its intention to return to Somalia to aid those in need and establishing a '1Malaysia Aid camp' in honour of Noramfaizul (the slain Bernama cameraman).

I wonder if there will be any room for an independent blogger.....

Here is what Andrin had to say about getting Combat ready...(Sorry, but shouldn't it be Charity ready with a sense of Combat awareness?)

But IMHO, Shahanaaz is smack on the ball!