The search for answers in a program presented by ABC Asia specialist, Peter Mares. The Australian Government is flying food in to 60,000 people who are in such inaccessible places the only way to reach them is by air. But the Papua New Guinea Government is also trying to deliver relief to a further 90,000 people who can be reached by road. In fact, the Tigers are in meltdown. Mahathir says it's a free-market Jewish conspiracy.
Western financiers blame it on poor management by the Asian leaders.
Most agree that corruption at the top hasn't helped. There's no swank waiters, no soft beds. No guests cruise its artificial canals. In fact, most of the South Pacific nations are in a financial free fall. And, in the meantime, China's shadow is looming.