Friday, 26 September 2008

Bono + Brown vs. The French

This week has seen one of the worst financial crises in recent memory, according to econo- mists, bankers, and other slick big-towners. Everyone is talking about 30% increases in the price of food, the dearth of loan opportunities, and events like Lehman, the 4th largest investment bank in the US, filing for bankruptcy have basically confirmed the 'hell in a handbasket' diagnosis. Amidst all the squealing issuing from the Western world, what is of most concern to the folks at the United Nations is that Western countries do not renege on their promises of aid to developing countries. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner stated that he thought that it was 'a bit unfair' for starving, AIDS-ridden African countries with shattered economies to be asking the richest countries in the world to honour commitments they made to give aid. This sentiment has been echoed elsewhere in the developed world, though only the French had the audacity to get their most senior diplomat to essentially give the finger to two-thirds of the world.

Much like the armies of Saruman bringing forth the cave troll to assail the mountain fortress of Helm's Deep, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (pictured above in his Kofi Annan costume), has brought out the big guns by unleashing Bono on the French. 'The last few days have re-injected momentum that must sweep on' Bono opined. 'Even in these tough times, this historic promise has never been more important to keep.' Slightly less eloquent was senior statesman Gordon Brown, who added 'This would be the worst time to turn back.' The French have not been contacted concerning a reply, but it is safe to say they would not dare turn their sharp Gallic tongues on the messianic Irishman.

Ban Ki-Moon is currently asking for $72 billion in aid every year for the next ten years, in a program he claims has the ability to win the war on poverty. He cited the great success of attempts to eradicate malaria in Africa as evidence that the continent is more than just a cash-sink. The fact that in the midst of one of the financial panic there are still loud voices calling for increased aid to developing countries is something to be proud of. Foreign aid, especially to sub-Saharan Africa, has traditionally been at the very bottom of the priority list of most budgeting legislatures.  But we have seen a steady increase in the amounts of aid promised by G8 governments, and although there is a worryingly large discrepancy between this figure and the amounts actually delivered, political will is a genuine precursor to actual policy. Africa will not be receiving $72 billion this year. No one thinks that. The World Bank on Thursday promised just $1.1 billion to continue efforts to eradicate malaria in Africa. But we are still seeing real progress.

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