Nothing like a good ole mystery to garner the attention of the international community. The disappearance of Malaysian flight 370 has accomplished a feat that very few things can do, and that is to bring the international community together efficiently. With round the clock media coverage, a multitude of conspiracy theories and thousands of personnel involved, the Malaysian flight is proving that countries can work together effectively when motivated enough. But if I may, let's take on a more cynical outlook on life. Though we can all agree that the mystery of Flight 370 is a tragedy, the amount of effort undertaken by, according to ABC news, the 26 countries still involved in search efforts is absolutely astonishing. In a world where countries can rarely be motivated to intervene when millions of lives are at risk due to famine, war, pestilence or whatever it may be, it is quite astounding that millions of dollars be expended on the fate of 239 people. You can argue that the scope of the disaster is lesser in the case of Flight 370 from say a hurricane and that makes it easier to support, but is it really? Search parties are combing over a 23,000 km chunk of Asia, that seems like a pretty significant endeavor to me.

 I find it hard to believe that governments are willing to devote the time and funds on 239 lives so readily, while many many more at risk are neglected annually. But can I complain about the international community's fastidiousness when it comes to responses? They are only human and who doesn't like a good mystery? Maybe that's what is missing from the other disasters in the world...the mystery. What's fun about knowing the terrible truth about famines and wars in the world?! Food for thought, maybe if the media starts dishing out headlines like "Thousands Mysteriously Disappear in the DRC" we would get governments willing to put forth funds to solve that enigma. Media coverage has hardly lessened as the search nears the second week mark. It is a testament to the power of the unknown that the world has become preoccupied with this one event. It is disasters like this, that help me realize the potential for good the international community sometimes wastes. The disappearance of the flight truly highlights how much of a role the media and the willingness of states plays in efficient responses to disasters. If the catastrophes presently occurring received half the vigor and support of the international community that the Malaysian mystery is, I wonder what could be accomplished. Though the mystery of Flight 370 is indeed a tragedy, I believe the real tragedy is the continual negligence of the millions of others that go missing annual, without anyone willing to lift a finger.  


Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26677056
http://abcnews.go.com/International/search-missing-malaysia-airlines-flight-370-drastically-narrows/story?id=22975958