Summary:
The author's opinion is that wealthy countries giving financial aid to poorer countries is problematic. The money often goes where it is not intended and putting stipulations on aid turns the donation into a political control tool.
Some people strongly agree that loaning money to developing countries aids in helping them get relief from poverty and disease. Others feel the money doesn't go where its needed and the debt is to much strain on the poor country. Aid itself is not corruptive, however the form of the donation should be heavily reconsidered. Tied aid is a concept that in itself is an oxymoron; the purpose of aid is to provide relief to countries in dire need, not to help already prosperous countries earn a profit; for this reason I, personally, strongly disagree with tied aid. Globalization is quickly beginning to take effect on the world of today, forging closer economic, social and political links between nations. Trade is increasing, as is immigration and migration of people from one country to another.
I think the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming larger. Many people still live in poverty and have to survive with malnutrition, illiteracy and A.I.D.S. Efforts have been made to help these poor countries suffering from hardships such as drought, war and famine. Rich countries donate money to poor countries for economic and political reasons.
The donor country may want to control supplies of oil, water and, agriculture ensuring markets for their own products. I don't think this is the best way to help a developing country. Money given to developing countries never really gets to the people but the money still gets given out to the government, rather than the organization that helps the people.
Tied aid implies restrictions on the aid being given. The aid then becomes a political tool for the donor country. Tied aid suppresses the amount of benefit the developing country profits from the assistance. Certain restrictions include not allowing the recipient country to buy from local goods or hire local companies. The country that benefits the most from tied aid is the donor. I think taking away debts that poor countries owe to developed countries would be a good start on helping developing countries.
Some people think that tied aid is only helping the rich country by keeping the poor country dependent. Countries suffering from hardships need support from us because they cant support themselves. This kind of aid is underhanded and selfish we need to practice fair trade for these countries to become stronger. Using this aid to benefit from poor countries and depending on them shouldn't be how we help try and get developing countries out of poverty.
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