Skeptic Project

What do you think about the US and Europe giving foreign aid to dictators in the Middle East and Africa?

Do you think they should stop until these countries introduce concrete reforms such as free elections, freedom of speech, freedom for political parties to operate, end to rampant corruption and creating a better society that can help people, provide employment, healthcare, welfare, protection against disease?

Discuss.

The problem I have with 'foreign aid" is that it is predicated on the idea that money alone can solve anything. What good is a billion dollars to complete infrastructure projects or set up medical centers if the only people being trained to do that kind of work are westerners. I firmly believe that aid, for those who want and need it, should be given but only in conjunction with programs to train individuals how to become professionals and skilled workers.

When we look at something like the Marshall plan, which worked extraordinarily well in rebuilding Europe after WWII, we see that the training and know-how was in place to utilize the money to actually undertake effective programs and projects. In Africa, we have decided to throw money at the problem without first training those who want to learn these skills. We have seen increases, especially in Nigerians, of people coming over and receiving advanced Medical degrees but who often just remain in the United States. And while we often fight to keep people from taking an education and running, I personally feel that we should set up education programs for people from traditionally exploited countries and the post-colonial world so that we can train them in the ways necessary to best utilize what capital is given to them. And in strengthening other countries in a more equitable way, you build lasting partnerships which, in the long run, serve our interests as well.