US Aid Chief Skeptical

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US Aid Chief Skeptical

The following is a reproduction of a news report from 1-7-99 issue of the 
International Herald Tribune: 


WASHINGTON-J Brian Atwood had a disquieting message as he prepared to step 
down as head of the US foreign aid agency: Don't believe those stories about 
democracy and free enterprise enabling developing countries to lift 
themselves out of poverty.

And part of the problem, according to Mr Atwood, is what he sees as 
Washington pinchpenny attitude toward Third World problems.

"What will it take to wake up our political leaders?" he asked. "More failed 
states? More wars? More south-to-north migration? More transmission of 
infectious diseases? More terrorism?"

After six years as head of the Agency for International Development, Mr 
Atwood will return to the private sector next week. He could have gone 
quietly, as his predecessors have done, but decided not to.

He gave his valedictory Tuesday at a luncheon at the Overseas Development 
Council, which attempts to sensitize opinion-makers on Third World issues.

"The sad and even dangerous reality is that globalization and the democratic 
market economy movement have not closed the gap between rich and poor, "he 
said.

"Much of the change we are seeing is occurring within the previous ruling 
classes of these societies. Some in the donor community seem content to 
nurture reform without equity."

Economic growth, he said, can reduce poverty only with investments in health 
care, education, job creation, community development and food security. 

(AP)

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