ISSER: Introduce agriculture income and land taxation systems Nov 18, 2009
Prof Aryeetey said there was the need for African governments to harness the economic potential of domestic resource mobilisation for socio-economic development and to reduce over-reliance on foreign aid, especially in the wake of global economic recession with its resultant foreign remittance being reduced. ISSER was established by the University of Ghana in 1962 as the Institute of Statistics, to provide a programme for teaching and research in statistics, with particular reference to the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
The Better Ghana Agenda: So Far, So Better Nov 18, 2009
The volatility in commodity prices, lack of capital, depreciation of the cedi to the major currencies, inflation, reductions in foreign aid and remittance flows from citizens working abroad posed a threat to economic growth. According to the provisional September 2009 figures, real GDP grew by 4. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Afghans 'blame poverty for war' Nov 18, 2009
Many Afghans surveyed felt that foreign aid was not reaching them ... The survey suggests that many Afghans believe foreign aid does not reach those who need it most. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Malawi's miracle Nov 18, 2009
It is very expensive for a government which gets one third of its revenues from foreign aid. Emma Aron says her children have had to go hungry in years gone by. (BBC News -- Business)
China's phone firmshelp Africa go mobile Nov 18, 2009
" There is not much sign of recent change with respect to China's broad array of foreign aid programs in the region, according to Deborah Brautigam, associate professor at American University's School of International Service in Washington, DC, and the author of a new book, The Dragon's Gift: the Real Story of China in Africa, which will be out later this year. "As with many aspects of Chinese policy, much is experimental. However, the current strategy has been underway since the mid-1990s, with... (Asia Times Online)
Will Kabul's new anti-corruption task force establish itself as Afghan FBI? Nov 18, 2009
Rejecting Western media reports about misappropriation of foreign aid, Afghan officials have been claiming in recent days that much of the international aid had been channeled through Western non-governmental organizations (NGOs), saying that only 20to 30 percent of the amount has been spent by the government. Elmi said there was also a need to reform the spending of international aid by NGOs. (Xinhuanet, China)
Paying Off The Warlords Nov 18, 2009
Indeed, the tale of the "reconstruction" of Kabul's electricity supply is a classic story of how foreign aid has often served to line the pockets of both international contractors from the donor countries and the local political elite. Unfortunately, these aid-financed projects also generally fail -- as the Kabul diesel plants appear destined to -- because of a lack of planning and the hard cash to keep them operating. (CBS News)
China Africa Relations: Nov 16, 2009
The secretive way China employs foreign aid and investment raises concern. The lack of transparency in China's foreign assistance policy, raises fear that Chinese investment might be helping the wrong people. (Suite101.com)
Africa: Governance Reviews Gather Pace But Face Challenges Nov 16, 2009
(ii) Namibia was already able to attract foreign aid and investment, and was not as desperate as some other states that rushed to join the front of the APRM queue. (iii) Could some leaders with dubious democratic and governance credentials really stand as credible peers in judgement of Namibia. (allAfrica.com)
* Taiwan News Quick Take Nov 15, 2009
FOREIGN AID Medics head for Thailand. The International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) will dispatch a mobile medical team to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, tomorrow to provide local people with medical services and humanitarian care. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
AID WORK SUSPENDED Nov 15, 2009
Earlier on Friday, Chadian General Oki Dagache deplored the "risky behaviour" of foreign aid groups in Chad, urging them to notify authorities of their movements -- something they have resisted for fear it would compromise their operations. The ICRC suspended its field operations in Chad earlier this week after armed men kidnapped Laurent Maurice, an agronomist for the ICRC who was monitoring harvests, and his five Chadian colleagues, in the village of Kawa near the Sudanese border. (AlertNet)
Populate and perish Nov 15, 2009
The money saved could be spent on education and foreign aid. These are not the sort of the ideas that would appeal to the last treasurer. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Obama Eyes Budget Freezes to Fight Deficit Nov 14, 2009
correction should be cut foreign aid. by gboyd41 November 13, 2009 8:05 PM EST. (CBS News -- Politics)
Ethiopia: West Oppresses Ethiopia Through Zenawi Support Nov 14, 2009
We now have a clear answer to a question that had puzzled us for the past two decades: Why do Western governments and their multilateral lending institutions support Zenawi's dictatorship with billions of dollars in loans and foreign aid ... Prop up a regime that ruthlessly decimates its opposition, crushes the free press, chokes civil society organisations, squanders and defalcates foreign aid and loans and lords imperiously over a famine-ravaged country. (allAfrica.com)
A challenge: How would you pay for troops? Nov 13, 2009
Please don t tell me you d cut welfare or foreign aid, both of which are miniscule parts of the federal budget. The big spending is Social Security, Medicare and the military. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Aid freeze in post-coup Honduras hurting poor Nov 13, 2009
The politically isolated de facto government of Roberto Micheletti, who took power after the army sent leftist Zelaya into exile, denies any impact from the suspension of foreign aid ... Few in Honduras see a quick return of foreign aid even if the Nov. 29 presidential election resolves the political crisis because many local aid organizations have been unable to lobby European and U.S. donors for new funds for 2010 ... Local charities say bans on visits to Honduras by foreign aid workers have... (AlertNet)
* Cabinet approves bill on foreign aid project supervision Nov 13, 2009
Cabinet approves bill on foreign aid project supervision ... The Cabinet yesterday approved a bill designed to set up regulations to bring supervision to the implementation of foreign aid projects to prevent problems that have frequently overshadowed the countrys foreign relief efforts. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
womensbasketball Nov 12, 2009
8h ago By , USA TODAY U.S. and Afghan officials have agreed on a new nationwide strategy that will funnel millions of dollars in foreign aid to villages that organize "neighborhood watch"-like programs to help with security. FIND MORE STORIES IN. (USA Today -- Sports)
Security plan looks to Afghan villages in fight against Taliban Nov 12, 2009
Most read stories from USA TODAY. Most emailed stories from USA TODAY. (Florida Today)
Zim's central bank needs to go Nov 12, 2009
What there is left of an economy will certainly be resurrected by the influx of foreign aid and goodwill. And all will be hunky dory as the euphoria of liberation blunts the pangs of hardship. (iAfrica.com)
* Haitian lawmakers confirm Bellerive as new prime minister Nov 12, 2009
In recent years, he has worked to coordinate and attract investment and foreign aid. This story has been viewed 300 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Shut the door on Kiwi migrants: Labor MP Nov 12, 2009
The savings made would allow Australia to invest more in skills and training domestically, and increase foreign aid "to enable us to be compassionate, decent international citizens". Mr Thomson has delivered several speeches in recent months rejecting Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's assertion that population growth is good for Australia and the economic prosperity of the nation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Afghan villages to get aid Nov 12, 2009
By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY KABUL U.S. and Afghan officials have agreed on a new nationwide strategy that will funnel millions of dollars in foreign aid to villages that organize "neighborhood watch"-like programs to help with security. The plan will provide an incentive for Afghan tribal leaders to form their own militias and guard against insurgents, says Mohammad Arif Noorzai, an adviser to President on security and tribal issues. (USA Today)
AP: Obama names foreign aid chief Nov 11, 2009
They plan to double the amount of foreign aid. The agency will play a key role in the administration's efforts in and Pakistan, where officials believe the civilian component must be strengthened. (USA Today -- News)
Rajiv Shah: The man Obama wants to revitalize USAID Nov 11, 2009
But many development experts, while relieved that USAID is finally getting a new chief, caution that Shah must first put the US foreign aid and development house in order ... "So we have a development agency responsible for billions of dollars a year in foreign aid with no policy division," Mr. Carothers says ... Given the growing nexus between foreign aid and national security in the post-9/11 era, some development experts have called for the USAID chief to be elevated to cabinet status or to a... (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Click to read:Afghanistan Losing Fight Against H1N1 Flu Nov 11, 2009
After eight years and billions of dollars foreign aid, the hospital doesn't have enough resources to ease the pain of Layeqa and hundreds of others like her in Afghanistan who suffer from the H1N1 flu ... After eight years and billions of dollars foreign aid, the hospital doesn't have enough resources to ease the pain of Layeqa and hundreds of others like her. (CBS News)
New Prime Minister Confirmed By Lawmakers In Haiti Nov 11, 2009
In recent years, he has played a major role in coordinating and attracting investment and foreign aid. . (CBS News -- World)
Former Gates' Exec Named Foreign Aid Chief Nov 11, 2009
Obama administration picks former Gates Foundation official to run US foreign aid ... They plan to double the amount of foreign aid. (ABC News -- Wire)
China keeps its purseopen for Africa Nov 11, 2009
BEIJING - China, which pledged this week to offer full assistance to Africa in agriculture and infrastructure, hard on the heels of a decision to extend US$10 billion over the next three years in concessional loans to the continent's countries, has garnered applause for its no-strings-attached foreign aid. At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the Egyptian resort of Sham el-Sheikh, Beijing's approach was held as an example for development worth emulating by countries around the world. (Asia Times Online)
SOMALIA REFUGEES Nov 11, 2009
8 million last year, Byrs said, warning that the country's increasingly desperate people would try to escape abroad without a quick influx of foreign aid. "In the worst of scenarios we could imagine that 283,000 could leave Somalia and this could create problems throughout the region," she told a news briefing in Geneva. (AlertNet)
Tonga contemplates historic shift Nov 11, 2009
Critics have said that the absolute power of the king has hampered economic and social development in a nation which is dependent on foreign aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Afghanistan plea in war on opium Nov 11, 2009
Nearly 7% of the Afghan population is said to now work in the opium trade, earning as much as Afghanistan receives in foreign aid. Mr Karzai said poverty forced many farmers to keep growing poppies - a claim some drugs control experts dispute. (Yahoo News -- Drug Trade)
Obama appoints Rajiv Shah to head USAID Nov 11, 2009
With a budget of over $40 billion and nearly 2000 employees, USAID is an independent federal agency that is responsible for most US non-military foreign aid, virtually the developmental face of Uncle Sam. "The mission of USAID is to advance America's interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal," President Obama said while announcing Shah's... (India Times, India)
New Foreign Aid Chief Named Nov 11, 2009
Ex-Gates Foundation Exec Named Foreign Aid Chief - TIME ... They plan to double the amount of foreign aid. (Time.com)
* Chen denies flying money overseas Nov 11, 2009
As for whether MOFA ever takes advantage of such a channel to execute foreign aid projects, he was not certain, the statement said. MOFA owes the public an explanation regarding the details. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Prosecute Anti-American Prosecutors Nov 10, 2009
7 billion in foreign aid) released Abu Omar to go on a victory tour of the world. So much for the idea that he would be persecuted on his return to Egypt. (Human Events Online)
Did Anti-Communists Really End Communism? Two Historians Say No. Nov 9, 2009
Both titles take aim at 1989 "clichs." "Uncivil Society" is, of course, a twist on the term "civil society," a phrase Kotkin dismisses as nothing but "catnip to scholars, pundits and foreign aid donors .a vague, seemingly all-purpose collective social actor." Pleshakov's "No Freedom Without Bread" is an ironic inversion of the phrase "there is no bread without freedom," which was used by the Solidarity movement in Poland. At the time, it was partly an answer to the Polish Communist Party's... (Slate)
Africa: 'Pick Up Your Money With Your Groceries' Nov 7, 2009
"That's a lot of money. It's more than all foreign aid and direct foreign investment combined, but the main difference is that these flows go directly into the hands of those who need them most," Pedro de Vasconcelos, coordinator of IFAD's remittances programme, tells IPS.. "Remittances are funds that go from people who are poor by western standards to people who are even poorer still. They are a vital lifeline for rural families.". (allAfrica.com)
Madagascar rivals reach agreement Nov 7, 2009
Mr Rajoelina and his allies, who accused Mr Ravalomanana of being a tyrant who misspent public money, were themselves accused by the African Union of taking power through a coup and foreign aid was frozen. The two rivals and two other former presidents, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy, agreed in August to a 15-month transition period but until now have been arguing over the details of the deal. (BBC News -- Africa)
Honduras leadership remains in limbo as accord dissolves Nov 7, 2009
With a presidential election just three weeks away, the United States and the rest of the international community - which cut off most foreign aid and diplomatic ties after the coup - are urgently seeking a resolution. But the key players seemed less inclined to find common ground. (Boston Globe)
* The crucial place of a democracys referendum Nov 7, 2009
A look at what President Ma Ying-jeou (^E) has done over the past year shows he has acted under the influence of China, including allowing contaminated milk powder imports; opening the nation to Chinese tourists; refusing to let exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama visit Taiwan; remaining silent on the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre; banning national flags during the visit of Chinese envoy Chen Yunlin (L); arguing that Taiwanese should be able to read... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
America is rusting because of free trade Nov 7, 2009
" In the midst of a war against the Taliban, the Pakistani government staged a road show in Dubai, seeking to entice sheikhs with tax breaks and exemptions from labor laws. All these efforts have two hopes in common. One is the hope of poor nations to achieve the development and modernization of their ailing agricultural sectors. The other is the world's hope that foreign investors in Africa and Asia will be able to produce enough food for a planet soon to be populated by 9.1 billion people;... (Salon)
Zimbabwe's MDC calls off boycott Nov 6, 2009
Zanu-PF says the MDC has not done enough to attract foreign aid and investment since it joined the government to end the impasse following last year's disputed elections. The unity government has managed to halt Zimbabwe's economic collapse. (BBC News -- Africa)
Great (Overlooked) Books -- A Symposium Nov 5, 2009
As Pakistan disdains the tripling of its foreign aid allotment as an attack on its sovereignty, this might have been written in 2009 instead of 1951. Justin Raimondo is the author of several books including the recently re-released Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement. (The American Conservative)
A Treaty Ratified, the E.U. Turns to Picking Its Leader Nov 5, 2009
Whoever is named to this post will head the E.U.'s new 8,000-strong diplomatic service, oversee a $12 billion foreign aid budget and speak for the E.U. in key meetings with other countries. Here's where Britain may receive a consolation prize after Blair's stunning reversal of fortune. (Time.com)
Little Laos relishes its big moment Nov 5, 2009
Reinforced in the region's own press, such views emphasize Laos' dependence on foreign aid, undermining the games' perceived benefits at home and abroad ... The country's current strategy of market-based development underwritten by foreign investment, foreign aid and ASEAN integration continues the trend. (Asia Times Online)
GOP organizes 12-hour online town hall for Thursday Nov 5, 2009
BY john on 11/04/2009 at 20:19I hope someone ask Marsha Blackburn about these votes: Marsha Blackburn Voted FOR: Omnibus Appropriations, Special Education, Global AIDS Initiative, Job Training, Unemployment Benefits, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations, Agriculture Appropriations, U.S.-Singapore Trade, U.S.-Chile Trade, Supplemental Spending for Iraq Afghanistan, Prescription Drug Benefit, Child Nutrition Programs, Surface Transportation, Job Training and Worker Services, Agriculture... (TheHill.com)
New Bill Targets Illegal Immigrant Health Care Costs Nov 5, 2009
The bill calls for deducting the cost of illegal immigrants' health care from the foreign aid their home countries would normally receive from the U.S. ... The money deducted from foreign aid would go to the border patrol, not the hospitals or health care systems treating illegal immigrants. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
* Honduran front-runner key to negotiations Nov 3, 2009
With hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid and international recognition of the election contingent on Zelayas return, the National Party is under pressure to support him, though its leaders say they are still studying options ... Lobo has a double-digit lead in opinion polls, but Honduras could remain diplomatically isolated and possibly cut off from foreign aid if Zelaya is not reinstated before the vote ... The government budget in the coffee and textile exporting nation is heavily... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Cardboard Kev Nov 2, 2009
Illustration: Matt Davidson. Kevin Rudd, like most politicians, cares a lot about his political legacy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
A woman's right to choose a losing candidate? Nov 1, 2009
" The findings also support increasing foreign aid to international family planning programs and reexamining restrictive policies such as the 1973 Helms Amendment, which is like the Hyde Amendment with a Eurail pass. (The Helms bars the U.S. from paying for safe abortion services overseas.) "Our findings demonstrate that restricting access to safe abortion does not reduce the number of abortions performed, but rather increases the number of complications and deaths that women suffer as a result... (Salon)
a major non-NATO ally Oct 31, 2009
Major non-NATO allies, including Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand, are granted significant benefits in the area of foreign aid and defense cooperation. Major non-NATO allies are eligible for priority delivery of defense material and the purchase, for instance, of depleted uranium anti-tank rounds. (Harper's Magazine)
Haiti's president turns to Cabinet for new PM Oct 31, 2009
Bellerive, in Preval's government, has played a major role in coordinating and courting investment and foreign aid for the country. advertisement. (MSNBC -- International)
* Santo Domingo aid deal not checkbook diplomacy: minister Oct 31, 2009
Taiwans recent pledge of a US$100 million aid package to the Dominican Republic is in line with the governments policy of foreign aid transparency, Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang (iK) said yesterday, rejecting a local media report that said the donation was part of efforts to shore up ties with Latin American allies. The Associated Press on Wednesday reported that Taiwan had agreed to provide the Caribbean nation with US$100 million distributed over four years to build... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Vying in the US Oct 30, 2009
The recent US foreign aid bill for Pakistan is a good example ... Protesters in Pakistan were angry US foreign aid had conditions attached. (BBC News -- Americas)
Public Inquiry into Location of Accra Mall Warranted Oct 30, 2009
Some people may disagree with me but I strongly believe that African countries have over the decades received generous enough foreign aid to lift their peoples out of poverty ... The rest of foreign aid is siphoned off into private banks accounts ironically in those same donor countries. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Clinton in Pakistan for talks Oct 29, 2009
Clinton denied the recently enacted Kerry-Lugar foreign aid bill, which gives Pakistan $7. 5 billion over five years, sets conditions on Pakistan that impinge on its sovereignty. (CNN)
U.S. impeded in democracy efforts for Egypt Oct 29, 2009
By Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY WASHINGTON More than $180 million in U.S. foreign aid to promote democracy in over the past four years has produced few measurable results, in part because the Egyptian government has stymied the effort, a newly released government audit says. The "impact of (American-funded) democracy and governance programs was unnoticeable" in Egypt, said the report by the U.S. Agency for International Development's inspector general. (USA Today)
* EDITORIAL : US beef and the curse of Yu Wen Oct 29, 2009
Such Yu Wen figures include then-director-general of highways James Chen () X the only official to take responsibility in September last year when floodwater caused the Houfeng Bridge (Z) to collapse, claiming six lives X and then-deputy minister Andrew Hsia (L), who took the heat for the governments initial rejection of foreign aid in the wake of Typhoon Morakot in August. The more Yu Wen figures there are, the more Taiwan will suffer as it endures an incompetent... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
McHugh: Charity begins at home Oct 29, 2009
Here s a suggestion: Annually, let s eliminate one foreign country from receiving foreign aid from the U.S. taxpayer. Put the names of foreign countries that receive aid from America into a hat. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Bill Gates urges more spending on global health Oct 28, 2009
Bill and Melinda Gates both said foreign aid from the United States is crucial to cut deaths worldwide, especially among children. The two planned to ask lawmakers, administration officials and others at a presentation Tuesday night to pledge to cut child deaths by nearly 50 percent from about nine million preventable deaths a year now, to five million by 2025. (Longview Daily News, WA)
India lost in 'love jihad' Oct 28, 2009
India's main opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, has said "love jihadis" have receiving foreign aid - from the Middle East - for the campaign. Senior Christian leaders are now campaigning against the alleged threat. (Asia Times Online)
Foreign aid in a recession: Wrapped up against the cold Oct 28, 2009
Foreign aid in a recession. Wrapped up against the cold. (The Economist)
Give McChrystal A Fighting Chance Oct 28, 2009
Next to the combat outpost is a brand-new district center built with foreign aid money ... This is part of a larger effort to establish accountability for foreign aid spending and to make Afghanistan's public-sector spending more transparent and honest. (CBS News -- Opinion)
Giving costs more than you think Oct 27, 2009
A substantial share portfolio is not an asset you might typically link with a charitable foreign aid organisation but quite a number of these not-for-profit groups do in fact invest in the stock market ... Foreign aid organisations and activist groups are important actors in global politics, often influencing government policy or in some cases assuming roles expected to be normally provided by the state. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
