The Role of Foreign Aid in the War on Terrorism
Abstract
Last fall, as United States troops launched their attack on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, a battle of an entirely different sort was being planned in Washington. This campaign didn't get as much attention, but it was no less important, because it involved winning new allies in the war on terrorism with humanitarian relief for millions of refugees and financial assistance for eradicating poverty through higher rates of economic growth in key regional countries. The events of September 11 made it painfully clear that the political, social and economic problems of other countries have a direct impact on American national security. The United States was attacked by a terrorist organization that has had great success in recruiting new members in nations which offer young men little political voice and limited economic opportunity. With this in mind the United States and its coalition partners have responded to the terrorist attacks with a three pronged strategy -- short run military, medium term aid to vulnerable countries and groups, and longer term assistance programs that directly focus on the sources of terrorist motivation. The first task has been in large part successfully completed while the second is only in the initial stages of implementation. In all likelihood however these initial successes must also carry to the second and third medium-to longer-term strategies to assure the ultimate defeat of al Qaeda and like-minded groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA527044
Entities
People
- Robert E. Looney
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School