quote:
Originally posted by Silver Cheetah:
There's been a lot of screaming and yelling in this forum about how much America has contributed and continues to contribute to poorer countries (including Afghanistan) in terms of aid dollars. Decided to take a closer look, just for the hell of it......
First of all, the US is not the biggest donor, - Japan is, by a long way.
Secondly, as far as percentage of GDP is concerned, the US comes LAST out of the 22 richest industrialised nations, that is despite being the richest nation on earth, by a very long way.
It contributes just 0.10% of its GDP. Britain is also pretty crap, with 0.23%. Both figures are well below the average, sadly.
Denmark comes top, with 1.01%, closely followed by Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, and Luxembourg.
I don't think anyone said America provided the most aid to
all the poorer nations of the world, but I'm glad to know we're number two overall! The point made was about aid to Afghanistan prior to September 11th.
U.S. Humanitarian Aid to the Afghan People
The United States has been the single largest donor of humanitarian aid for Afghans for the past several years. In 2000, the United States contributed a total of $113 million in humanitarian aid to Afghans, both inside Afghanistan and in refugee camps in neighboring countries. In 2001, the aid level has already exceeded $184, accounting for some 300,000 tons of American food sent to Afghanistan this year.
On October 4, President Bush announced a new contribution of $320 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghans. This assistance includes food, medicine, blankets and shelter.
This assistance is not given to the Taliban or any other faction, but is distributed through the United Nations, and non-government organizations (NGOs). The assistance is distributed in Taliban-controlled and opposition-controlled areas of the country, wherever the need is greatest.
I will still argue the point that what we do is worthy of mentioning in our defense anytime that our generousity is brought into question because while people complain we don't do enough, we do more than most. The opinion, "you're not doing enough because..." is just another complaint about what's wrong with America. If it was the biggest dollar amount
and the biggest percentage, people would still say "you should do more because..."
The fact that we doubled our aid contribution to Afghanistan after September 11th and during an armed conflict with the unrecognized government of that country should say alot to people, but for some reason it doesn't say enough?!!? It's not just a "political move" to those who are fed, only to those who can't be pleased.
SC, I hope this doesn't ruin my chance of seeing the pictures you and Tracey talked about
I may be vulnerable to certain kinds of propoganda
