Global Outrage Over Amazon Fires: AP

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro is crudely defiant in exchanges with world leaders about the fires destroying the Amazon. Brazil lacks resources to bring the fires under control after the populist administration imposed shortsighted policies, rejecting environmental protections and encouraging burning rainforest to expand farmland. The Group of Seven nations pledged $20 million to assist Amazon nations in fighting the fires, but Bolsonaro rejected the aid, accused environmentalists of setting fires, insulted France, and claimed wealthy nations treat the region like a colony while hoping to exploit Brazil’s resources. “Bolsonaro has insulted adversaries and allies, disparaged women, blacks and homosexuals, and even praised his country’s 1964-1985 dictatorship,” reports the Associated Press. “But nothing has rallied more anger at home and criticism from abroad than his response to fires raging in parts of the Amazon region.” Bolsonaro confronts diplomatic ostracism and huge economic losses. European leaders have threatened to block a trade deal with Brazil, and agriculture represents a small part of Brazil’s GDP. The president's critics suggest he cannot be trusted to set priorities, dispatch staff or handle funding. The Amazon and people of Brazil are the victims. – YaleGlobal