For all the legitimate concerns about how well humanitarian aid is spent, investments in education, iodizing salt and maternal health all have a proven record of success. And the sums are modest: all three components of our plan together amount to about what the U.S. has provided Pakistan since 9/11 — a sum that accomplished virtually nothing worthwhile either for Pakistanis or for Americans.The only quibble I have is this: why does it have to be public aid? The assumption that Obama needs to do it all is depressing. Not only is it a role government shouldn't have to play, but it's just way less effective when government hands out aid instead of private entities. Lower taxes, and then let the private do-gooders step in.
Foreign Aid For Women: Let's Do It, But Not That Way
