1. BY GBENGA OYEWOLE Foreign Aid

2. U.S. Foreign Aid Many developing countries look to the U.S. for foreign aid. The U.S. is often one of the first countries to send aid following a natural disaster. Aid is also sent following war or civil unrest. Foreign aid is a multi-billion dollar commitment with both positive & negative aspects.

3. Foreign aid benefits children Contaminated drinking water causes diarrhea. – In developing countries, dehydration from diarrhea is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. – Fifty years ago, nearly 20 million children under the age of 5 died each year. – By 2010, that figure dropped to 7.6 million because of improvements to drinking water made possible by foreign aid. In the past 10 years, millions of children have been saved from diseases such as measles and whooping cough by the availability of vaccines.

4. Foreign Aid Improves Living Conditions Foreign aid sent by the U.S. has made advances in agriculture, education and sanitation possible in developing countries. – These improvements will allow for an increase in commodities like food, which will keep prices lower. – Improvements can also allow these countries to become important markets for trade. If foreign aid is done right, we can shrink the countries that require it to zero.

5. Foreign Aid Improves Stability Sending foreign aid helps countries to develop stability. If they are stable and have better governance, they will not require assistance from U.S. troops. Improving reliability of services in developing countries will make citizens more satisfied with their government and less likely to protest.

6. Foreign Aid Works in Liberia Because of U.S. support, Liberia has been able to rebuild following civil war.  Expanded access to electricity, water & sanitation.  Roads, clinics and schools have been rebuilt.  Health and education have improved because of access to clean water.

7. Foreign Aid and the Federal Budget It takes 1.1 percent of the budget. The Money is divided into six categories.  Bilateral development assistance for economic reform, private sector, and democracy promotion.  Multilateral development assistance for United Nation.  Humanitarian assistance for earthquakes, floods.  Assistance serving both development and special political/strategic purposes.  Civilian Security Assistance focuses on terrorism, illicit narcotics & crime.  Military Assistance is provided to U.S. friends and allies to help them purchase U.S. military equipment and training.

8. Foreign Aid Needs Accountability Government cannot currently account where foreign aid dollars go. No mechanism for tracking. No documentation for where money goes. Requirements for building projects are not being met. Audits of foreign aid dollars often show misuse or wasting of funds.

9. Foreign Aid Used to Support Corrupt Regimes $1.3 billion per year has been sent to Egypt since 1978  This money came from U.S. taxpayers.  Supported a corrupt regime. Military aid sent to support corrupt regime in Tunisia. Foreign aid sent to rebel groups in Afghanistan.  These groups became part of the Taliban.  These groups supported Osama bin Laden.

10. Foreign Aid & the Budget Crisis Talk in Congress about cutting foreign aid. Cuts could be disproportionate. Suggestions for cuts to specific countries  Pakistan  China  Iraq  Afghanistan Humanitarian Aid should continue.

11. References Bristol, Nellie. (2011, June 17). Foreign Aid and National Security. CQ Researcher. Vol. 21, No. 23. 529-552. Chaffetz, Jason. (2011, July 1). Accountability Lacking in U.S. Foreign Aid. The Washington Times, 07/01/2011, P.4-4. Eddlem, Thomas R. (2011, March 7). The Toll of U.S. Foreign Aid. The New American. p. 18-22. Myers, Steven Lee (2011, Oct. 5). U.S. Budget Crunch Imperils Aid to Other Nations. International Herald Tribune. Norris, John. (2011, May 1). 5 Myths About Foreign Aid. The Washington Post. Sirleaf, Ellen Johnson. (2011, Aug. 14). In Liberia, U.S. Aid Works. The Washington Post. Virginian Pilot. “How Foreign Aid Pays Off.” 2011, Nov. 6. Pg B.11