U.S. to Begin New Approach on Foreign Aid

[salin]

U.S. to Begin New Approach on Foreign Aid

U.S. to Begin New Approach on Foreign Aid, Rewarding Countries for How They Govern

The Associated Press


WASHINGTON Jan. 4 — A revolution in U.S. foreign aid, rewarding countries for how they govern, is finally ready to get under way, almost two years after first promised by the Bush administration.

The program will favor countries whose governments are judged to be just rulers, welcoming hosts for foreign investment and promoters of projects to meet their people's basic health and education needs.

Corrupt police states need not apply.

Administration officials expect this year to inaugurate President Bush's plan, known as the Millennium Challenge Account, which he outlined in March 2002.

It contemplated $5 billion annually for the program starting in 2006, a 50 percent increase over the base foreign aid budget of $10 billion.

The administration had hoped for $1.3 billion for the current budget year, which began Oct. 1, as a starter; Congress has provided nothing so far but is expected to approve $1 billion after it reconvenes this month.

more: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040104_43.html

[DuctapeFatwa]

1. Oh really? Ending aid to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, no more China trade?

till they free Tibet and embrace human rights - oh wait - better leave human rights out of this, in case even more countries adopt the US position on them.

[Gingersnap]

2. and don't forget Pakistan...

But seriously, hasn't this sort of always been a rhetorical justification for screwing countries we want to? I'm thinking the sanctions in Iraq to begin with. Others can probably think of earlier examples.

Nothing new here (I'm not criticizing the post, only the spin within the article). They're just counting on the ignorance of most Americans, who they hope will be fooled that Bush has suddenly had this great foreign policy revelation that will bring us all peace. Puh-leez.

[Mikimouse]

3. OMG! this could be a real problem...

"The program will favor countries whose governments are judged to be just rulers, welcoming hosts for foreign investment and promoters of projects to meet their people's basic health and education needs."

We're so screwed! Ooops, forgot (WHewwwww-wiping sweaty brow), WE make those determinations, we aren't subject to them. That's a relief!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. Is it me? Or is this photo worth a thousand words?

[Bozita]

5. "welcoming hosts for foreign investment" -- No need to read further

Do you have cheap labor? Will you allow US corporations to come in and exploit your lower standards of living? Will you allow our corporations to pollute your air and water?

China does. Now, can your workers work cheaper and more productively than these democracy-loving Chinese citizens?

If so, you're sure to make the "Coalition."

Welcome to the new American world.

[Moderator]

6. Dupe... locking.

Please continue discussion within the original LBN thread on this topic, which can be found here:

U.S. to Begin New Approach on Foreign Aid

Thanks!

DU Moderator