American Aid Abroad: Where Does It Go?
Have you ever wanted to know more about how American foreign aid is distributed around the world? Have you ever wanted to hear a summary of what the American military is doing around the world? Not sure what the conflict in Darfur is all about? All these important questions and more were answered clearly in a fascinating conversation held at the
Washington National Cathedral now
online, linked here with Andrew Natsios, georgetown.edu
The Very Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III spoke today to the former head of the US AID office, Andrew Natsios, now professor at Georgetown University, about the American aid effort around the world. The focus was on "Prospects for Peace in Darfur". The almost hour long discussion ranged from American humanitarian efforts all over the world to controversial actions made by the American military.
Andrew Natsios has a history in Massachusetts politics, public utilities, infrastructure and the military and was vice president of
World Vision from 1993-8. He was head of US AID, the Agency for International Development, the federal agency mostly responsible for administering civilian foreign aid from 2001-5 and American Envoy and Aid Coordinator in Sudan 2005-7.
Mr Natsios generously outlines at length issues associated with the giving of aid, especially by the military. Mr. Natsios has a strong grasp of the challenges of the third world from which to share. He understands the composition of African countries and describes how they are governed. He claims Darfur, where civil unrest could lead to destruction, is a country the size of the East Coast where future oil reserves will be found.
Many countries need food, medical and diplomatic aid. A secret to many, some countries' militias have a history of redirecting and abusing American food aid for their own purposes. Haiti has received much food and medical aid. The royal families of Jordan and Morocco are savvy of American programs in place to help their people. It's a fascinating conversation well worth watching.
This and many any other Forum discussions are now available at the National Cathedral website. Please give generously to
Washington's National Cathedral. The Cathedral provides the rare opportunity and capability to conveniently view Sunday services online live or on video webcasts.