[TalnSG]

While I am disappointed to see the U.S. join other nations in endorsing the evacuation of their citizens because it just fuels the negativity and sources of disinformation, I understand it.

To save face in the political arena, the rest of the major world powers have to at least offer that option or risk being accused of abandoning their citizens in the face of a crisis. Think how fast China started their evacuation plans last week.

At least there is a temporary upside, though small. With people who do not need to be there and may have needed assistance because of unfamiliarity with the language, culture or navigation, the services they would have used can be redirected to other, more important needs of the moment.