Quotable: Gates accuses Burmese junta of 'criminal neglect'

Posted By Alex Ely Monday, June 2, 2008 - 12:18 PM Share

Give U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates the prize for understatement of the weekend while discussing the tragic situation in Burma:

When asked whether the Myanmar government's actions were tantamount to genocide, Mr. Gates stopped short of that accusation. "This is more akin, in my view, to criminal neglect," he said.

Criminal neglect? You're kidding -- I always thought that Burma's xenophobic junta sponsored some of the best healthcare programs in the world.

EXPLORE:SOUTHEAST ASIA, BUSH ADMINISTRATION
 

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.

Read More