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Why Is 35% Of Development Aid Being Routed Back To The U.S.?
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LatoyaPeterson
08/21/09

In reply to Why Is 35% Of Development Aid Being Routed Back To The U.S.?
Okay, okay, I know we're all throwing stank eye because it's Cato.

But that's not the first time I've heard that figure, not by a long shot. And by some estimates, the percentage ranges in the 50%-60% depending on what counts as aid and development.

I can pull some facts and figures, and I will try to remember where I read the investigative article where I first heard the figure. The article (if, by a long shot, someone else read it) discussed the issues on the ground in Pakistan by exploring a woman's attempts to start a soap business to employ the women of the local area. At almost every step of the way, she encountered aid groups and consultants, but no one ever actually provided her with assistance. It was maddening. But it's also been a while since I've read it, so I am really going to dig deep into the files.

In addition, Tricia DeGennaro also mentioned the chaos and distribution loops. In a previous conversation, she also mentioned a similar figure.

At any rate, I'll go grab some of the stats and send them in when I send in Angie's answers.
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The Lone Scout
08/21/09

@LatoyaPeterson: Thanks for the extra effort, Latoya.

It's a serious problem to dedicate these dollars to aid and then waste them. I am not naive--waste and corruption are part of human existence. But let's start with a clearer understanding of what's going on so that we can fix it.

Even though Malou is from Cato, perhaps there are some grains of truth that we could use.
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Grim Reaper of the Forest
08/21/09

In reply to Why Is 35% Of Development Aid Being Routed Back To The U.S.?
The whole aid game is why I ended up not going into the international development field, despite that being my undergrad major. I got too disillusioned and confused by the fact that every sort of economic (and military) intervention had unintended consequences that often fostered more dependency and conflict. I am more of a liberal than a realist, but I do oppose meddling on a grand scale for this reason.
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The Lone Scout
08/21/09

@Grim Reaper of the Forest: I am truly saddened to read that the realities overwhelmed your intentions. (Maybe the August heat has made me melancholy?)

The Lone Scout grows grey, but if not for obligations I have accumulated over the years, I think I would pack up today and volunteer to do project management in trouble spots. Your experience with reality shows that perhaps I would be foolish to do so (even if I could).

So much trouble in the world. And then obstacles are raised for those who want to help.
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Edited by The Lone Scout at 08/21/09 7:58 PM The Lone Scout was starred The Lone Scout was unstarred

The Lone Scout
08/21/09

In reply to Why Is 35% Of Development Aid Being Routed Back To The U.S.?
Ms. Innocent indicates that she has "seen figures pointing to 35-40% of development aid being redirected back to Washington with consultancy fees." Latoya, can you add an appendix to this article stating when and where this has happened in Afghanistan? I think some sunshine would help clear up this kind of corruption, which makes me hopping mad. Also, did she mean that 35%-40% of all development aid is paid out to consultants? Or is that an example of the worst case she has seen only in Afghanistan? If that's the extreme end of a range, what's the actual percentage of the total dollars of U.S. development aid that goes to consultants? And who are these consultants? Are they adding value at a better price than it would cost for the government to set up and perform the tasks itself? Or is the money going to limos and lunches?
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Edited by The Lone Scout at 08/21/09 4:11 PM The Lone Scout was starred The Lone Scout was unstarred

Hiroine Protagonist
08/21/09

@The Lone Scout: Seriously - giant grain of salt.
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The Lone Scout
08/21/09

@Hiroine Protagonist: What do you mean? It sounds like you think I am questioning the data that was presented. Sure, I have fun sometimes in Gawker posts like anyone else, but I am deadly serious here.

A lot of corruption involving U.S. dollars has gone on in Iraq and in Afghanistan, to the detriment of U.S. citizens, warfighters, and the people who could benefit from genuine help. I would hang anyone who has wasted a damned nickel. Are you suggesting this is a dare? I am just asking for sunshine.

Latoya produced a substantial, lengthy, thought-provoking post, and it shouldn't get lost on a hot Friday afternoon in August.
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Edited by The Lone Scout at 08/21/09 6:15 PM The Lone Scout was starred The Lone Scout was unstarred

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