The shocking and tragic tsunami disaster which has killed nearly 150,000 thousand people has also adversely affected millions across south Asia. The world is reeling from the scenes of destruction and suffering, not in the least the plight of children who have lost their parents.

Many countries, organisations and individuals are giving aid and on the whole this shows how united the world can be in the face of tragedy. However if you analyse the situation at this point, it is apparent that the main assistance is coming from countries like the US, Japan, Australia and some European nations.

It seems amazing to me that Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher , just one individual, can donate US$10 million. That, by the way, is the same amount pledged to the tsunami victims by some Middle Eastern countries.

You would think that the Arab countries would be prepared to give more aid, either in cash or kind, to the country with the largest Muslim population on earth.

The US has always been criticised for discriminating against certain nations, yet at this moment it is their military might that is instrumental in delivering aid to Aceh in Indonesia.

I am not a fan of some of America's foreign policies, and of course the US may be playing up their aid role in the stricken region just to be seen in a better light. But the fact remains that they, along with other Western nations, seem to be helping all the affected countries, regardless of race or religion.

I guess it's always easier to sit in an armchair and criticise than to actually get down to the ground and help.