Millenium Elimination Challenge

A U.N. flunky says U.S. tsunami money still isn't enough. The NY Times amplifies this into scathing criticism (as they are wont to do). Meanwhile the Bush administration is working to assemble a separate aid coalition that circumvents development kleptocrats, who traditionally draw a 30% graft commission (nice work if you can get it).

The NYT editorial mentions the Millennium Challenge -- how it's underfunded, and hasn't paid out a nickel. One of the reasons may be because it requires clients to roll-their-own development programs before they get funds.

Are we trying to rig the system so corrupt tin-pan bureaucrats can't steal aid money before it gets to the intended recipients? That sounds reasonable, but it may have the unintended (cynics will claim deliberate) effect of making sure the poor won't see a red penny.