Over the past 20 years, terrorist attacks have become more common, and groups such as the Islamic State and al Qaeda have become global enemies. These occurrences raise the question: What is the best way to fight? Exploring how foreign aid builds alliances with a look at recent history may have the answer.
Less than 80 years ago, Germany, Italy and Japan declared war on the U.S. as a part of WWII. In response, the U.S.temporarily ended diplomatic relations with these nations. When the war ended, much of Europe was destroyed, and the continent faced wide-spread famine. In these conditions, the U.S. gave extensive foreign aid to these and other nations, helping to rebuild their communities, economies and daily lives. Today, these three countries are some of our closest allies, giving evidence that foreign aid helps forge alliances.
The U.S. government feared that the Soviet Union could take advantage of Europe’s frailty and institute communism throughout the continent. In response, the new secretary of state, George Marshall, constructed the European Recovery Program, commonly called the Marshall Plan.
The Marshall plan appropriated $13 billion to 16 European nations. This was aimed at providing food to prevent famine as well as sending other basic necessities and supplies to begin rebuilding. These shipments allowed Europe to reestablish its economy and fueled the coal and steel industries that are so important today. This investment also made a path for the eventual creation of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO).
Below are three examples of benefits when foreign aid builds alliances.
1. Germany is one of our leading trade partners
As of today, Germany no longer receives U.S. foreign aid and has the largest European economy. Not only do both the U.S. and Germany remain in NATO, but the countries work together to expand global trade. Germany is also a large supplier of goods for the U.S. They exported $125 billion worth of goods, while the U.S. exported $50 billion to Germany.
Beyond economic ties, Germany also works with the U.S. at the U.N. Germany has been integral to fighting the Islamic State and al Qaeda and to maintaining peace in Africa and the Balkans.
2. Italy helps the U.S. agenda on human rights, democracy and disease control
Italy is now a prosperous nation that no longer requires foreign aid.
Italy is a member of the U.N., the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, G8, G20 and many other international organizations. In these roles, Italy works with the U.S. to cultivate democracy throughout the world and reduce conflict and terrorism. Italy also helps the U.S. in human rights, drug trafficking, human trafficking and fighting epidemics such as ebola. Rebuilding Italy after WWII helped create this strong alliance and gave the U.S. a powerful partner when negotiating complex international issues.
3. Japan partners with the U.S. to research innovative technology
The U.S. occupied Japan as a part of the treaty of surrender following WWII. This involved restructuring Japan’s political, social and economic systems. The country was demilitarized as the U.S. promised to protect it from any future conflict.
The beginning of the occupation focused on political and social reforms. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy began to collapse. At this point, the U.S. focused on rebuilding the economy through taxes restructured to reduce inflation. The Korean War soon began, and at the suggestion of occupying forces, the U.N. used Japan as its primary supplier during the war. As a result, Japan’s economy developed back into a healthy, sustainable one.
Japan remains a successful democracy and still has a robust economy. Japan no longer receives foreign aid and now offers aid to other developing nations. Moreover, they echo the voice of the U.S. agenda in East Asia. Japan supports political and military efforts of the U.S. in North Korea.
Japan also works with the U.S. in researching medicine and space travel. Together the two countries form the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement. For 25 years they have worked on advancing computer and energy technologies.
Less than 80 years ago these three countries were so devastated that their civilizations could have collapsed entirely. They are now world leaders along with the U.S. When foreign aid builds alliances, it creates strong countries and resilient partnerships. Foreign aid is able to turn our most sincere enemies into our friends.
– Mary Katherine Crowley
Photo: Flickr
Water Quality in Armenia
In 2014, water quality in Armenia was less than satisfactory. Some of the water infrastructures had not been touched since the Soviet era, but after governmental efforts and investments from entities like the World Bank, today water quality in Armenia is now abundant and clean.
Before the investments transformed the water quality in Armenia, the head of the National Water Cooperation, a non-governmental organization, indicated that water pollution and supplying people with clean water were the two biggest challenges. Compared to a decade ago, added Arevik Hovsepyan, who heads the NGO, the level of water pollution had grown because of lack of governmental control.
After years of neglect, the government finally stepped in to improve leaking municipal water and wastewater systems and extend hours of delivery for running water. The cost to upgrade the water infrastructure, which had deteriorated over time and resulted in water losses of over 85 percent — one of the worst in the world — was estimated at $179 million.
The World Bank stepped in with assistance that resulted in 330,000 homes having 21 hours of running water a day, an increase from six hours, as well as improved water delivery and quality, and new pumping stations that decreased the amount of energy used by 40 percent. Other improvements included rebuilding and minimizing operation costs and water losses, as well as, refurbishing chlorination stations.
With these new improvements to water quality in Armenia, the country now has adequate water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use throughout the country. In addition, the issues that had arisen from poor workmanship during the Soviet era have been improved. More than half of water loss from leaks were fixed, 70 percent of the distribution system was replaced, and the availability of running water increased to nearly 24 hours a day. In addition, the drinking water pollution and inaccessibility is at 28.91 percent while general water pollution comes in at 35.48 percent, both considered low on the scale.
With improving water quality in Armenia, the country will continue to find solutions to give all citizens access to adequate water, improve water delivery and maintain city pipelines.
– Amira Wynn
Photo: Flickr
The Facts on Breast Ironing
The practice of breast ironing occurs when the breasts of young girls are pounded with heated objects such as spatulas, hammers and rocks. The aim of the tradition is to halt breast growth in order to slow puberty, and sometimes the practice is done in order to postpone girls’ first sexual relationships. The ritual is mainly carried out by female relatives of the victim. Approximately 3.8 million teenagers are affected by breast ironing worldwide, according to the U.N.
Breast ironing is very popular in the nation of Cameroon. Carole, a victim of the practice there, explains how her mother told her that it was necessary. She claimed it was to keep away men because “‘men mean pregnancy.'” The routine would consist of her mother pressing a hot rock onto each of her breasts several times. It has left Carole with the permanent disfigurement of her breasts, which she describes as “flabby.”
Physical defects are common consequences of this practice. Many maturing girls also face the possibility of breast cancer or difficulty breastfeeding. Mental trauma occurs as well, such as low-self esteem and feelings of betrayal or resentment.
Breast ironing affects about one in four girls in Cameroon, but it is by no means limited to this country in particular. The practice also occurs in the nations of Nigeria, Benin and Chad, according to Newsweek.
Recently, reports revealed that the practice was taking place in some African communities within the U.K. as well. The CAME Women and Girls Development Organisation, a charity campaigning on behalf of breast ironing victims, has claimed that over 1,000 girls in Britain have dealt with the practice.
Fortunately, a number of global charities have increased volunteer work within Cameroon. Sex education is now being stressed as a better means to ending the pregnancies of young girls. By spreading awareness and offering educational services, the practice of breast ironing is already on its way to being stopped.
– Gigi DeLorenzo
Photo: Flickr
Segregated Education in Libya, Post-Gaddafi
The entire culture of Libya has changed since the very public takedown of Moammar Gaddafi during a long battle in 2011. Since then, Libyans have lived through free elections, the collapse of their government and an ongoing civil war. The women of Libya, in particular, have been affected most harshly. Islamization imposed on a formerly modernized religious culture through news laws puts women’s access to education at risk, along with their general freedom in society. This is what you need to know about the current state of segregated education in Libya.
Education for Women Once Was Better
When Gaddafi led the Libyan government as a dictator, there was no segregated education in Libya. Instead, there was unlimited access for women to attend school at all levels. As a result, the number of well-educated women in Libya is higher than elsewhere in the region. An almost equal number of women (32 percent) as men (33 percent) hold university degrees, and almost 77 percent of female high school graduates intend to pursue higher degrees.
As a result of the country’s increased Islamization, women are encouraged to stay at home. Because of increasing violence against women, this is slowly becoming a reality.
Even Elementary Education Is Affected
Education until the ninth grade is compulsory for children in Libya. Before the civil war, roughly one million students attended school, but this year, with the civil war ongoing, around 297,000 children have been unable to attend school.
Schools are also shutting down at alarming rates, transforming into shelters for persons displaced during the war. The city most affected by this is Benghazi. Those schools that remain open lack electricity for long periods of time and their access to sanitation is also lacking.
New Laws Affect Women in Universities
Segregated education in Libya was made possible in 2013 when a school in Derma built a wall in the middle of a university campus to keep men and women apart.
In that same year, new laws made it harder for women achieve a normal schooling experience. A 2013 fatwa announced that women could now attend a university only if they attended schools that were segregated by gender.
Segregated education in Libya also requires that women dress in accordance with Islamic tradition. All women are forced to wear some form of headwear that covers their hair. In April 2014, Libya made headlines when a woman who attended a university did not wear her headscarf and was harassed and abused by a security guard on campus.
Ultimately, only the Libyan government can make it easier for women to attend its universities. But with newly segregated education in Libya, we can only hope that things take a turn for the better in the near future.
– Maria Rodriguez
Photo: Flickr
Growing Population Exacerbating Hunger in Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in the Sahel region of Africa and is 80 percent desert. Most of Niger’s livelihood is based on subsistence agriculture. Half the country is under age 15 and 60 percent of Nigeriens live below the poverty line. Food insecurity is widespread, affecting more than 1.5 million people in 2017.
The main causes of hunger in Niger are over reliance on rain-fed agriculture or herding for food. Late rainfalls lead to crop failure and dry up the grazing land. High food prices do not come down. Regional conflicts nearby and recurring food crises have led to an influx of thousands of refugees which has burdened poor communities. The population growth rate is 3.9 percent, which is one of the highest in the world. The European Commission predicted a shortfall of 410,000 metric tons in cereals. Niger ranked at 167 out of 169 countries in the United Nations Humanitarian Development Index in 2010
Hunger in Niger has led to chronic malnutrition affecting 42.2 percent of children under five. Overall, 10.3 percent of children are suffering from malnutrition. Poor diets lacking vitamins and minerals has caused 73 percent of children and 46 percent of women to be anemic. Hunger is Niger was exacerbated by the climate-related food and nutrition crisis of 2000. Inadequate nutrition has led to increased risk of illness and death and damage to development.
What the nation needs is long-term projects aimed at tackling malnutrition and hunger in Niger. The main causes including lack of social protection, over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture and the growing population need to be tackled. Access to healthcare, education, credit and safe water is crucial for long-lasting development and empowerment of communities. According to scientists, to fight hunger in Niger, mobilization of science and technology is needed to reduce and eliminate future risks.
– Aishwarya Bansal
Photo: Flickr
Breaking Down the 2017 IFPMA Report: Life Expectancy
In the age of advanced medical technology and global health awareness, human longevity is undeniable. Past life-threatening diseases and infections, such as hepatitis A and B, can now be prevented with a vaccine administered through a single shot. Through medical research and development (R&D) programs and projects, human life expectancy is expected to increase exponentially by 2030.
Many organizations exist toward the goal of extending human life expectancy. One such organization, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) represents research-based biopharmaceutical companies and associations worldwide. IFPMA advocates for practices and policies that promote the access and discovery of life-saving medicines and vaccines. Through its two million employees at member companies and associations, IFPMA can successfully research, develop, and provide reliable statistical figures that help improve the lives of patients across the globe.
Here are 10 key facts from IFPMA’s 2017 Facts and Figures report:
Research done by organizations like the IFPMA is consistently increasing human life expectancy. According to a study led by scientists from Imperial College London, the average life expectancy is expected to increase by 2030. The study was published in The Lancet and focuses on future life expectancy in 35 industrialized countries. It estimates life expectancy to increase by 65% for women and 85% for men in all 35 countries. The highest life expectancy was projected for South Korean women, with a 90% probability that nearly all women will survive to at least 86.7 years. Following South Korea, the highest projected female life expectancies are those in France, Spain and Japan. Of the 35 countries studied, the United States, Sweden, Greece and Serbia have some of the lowest predicted life expectancy projections for both men and women.
– Madison O’Connell
Photo: Flickr
Albert Einstein: The Refugee
As the author of the theory of special and general relativity, his name stands synonymous with the word “genius.” Changing fundamental ideas about the physical relationship between space, time, and gravitation, Albert Einstein radicalized how humans think about the building blocks of the physical world we live in. His theory of relativity was confirmed in 1919 from further research into solar eclipses. His popularization by the press gained him a quick rise to fame and in 1921, Einstein would receive the Nobel Prize for his related work.
Being himself a German Jew, Einstein cultivated an outspoken political personality and was well known for his pacifist ideals. His work, paired with his political persona triggered negative attention from extreme right-wing groups.
Anti-Semites were determined to publicize his discoveries as “un-German”. The rise of the Nazi party made it more and more difficult for Einstein to work in Germany, so in 1932 when offered a position at Princeton University, he accepted, retaining dual U.S. and Swiss citizenship.
While his theories were still widely taught, he was ultimately accused of treason in 1933 by the Nazi Third Reich; winning the party a partial victory when Einstein’s name could no longer be mentioned in academic circles. Although Einstein was not in Germany at the time, Nazi fanatics still had his property seized and his books were among those burned on the famous May 10, 1933, as a symbol of purging an “un-German” spirit.
He fled to the United States on October 17th of that year, using his fame and financial resources to work vigorously with his wife to obtain U.S. visas for other German Jew refugees. Einstein had haunting mixed feelings about his life in Princeton:
Among many notable others, the legacy of Albert Einstein’s refugee status resulted in the founding of the German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund (DAFI), an organization whose primary objective is to promote self-reliance of refugees through providing professional qualifications for future employment. In addition, DAFI contributes to the development of critical human resources that may be needed in the potential restoration of refugees’ home countries. DAFI also offers a scholarship project; an effective instrument used to attain and maintain self-reliance of refugees when used in the right context. The funds given from the scholarship must be used to aid in the academic studies of eligible refugee recipients.
Thus, Albert Einstein left us not only with mind-blowing new theories in physics, but a key organization telling us that education paves the road out of socioeconomic poverty.
– Kali Faulwetter
Sources: Azer, UNHCR, Jewish Virtual Library, PPU, OFADEC
Photo: Native Pakistan
Cardiovascular Dominating Top Diseases in Latvia
The country of Latvia in Eastern Europe borders the Baltic Sea and Russia. The population of Latvia is just fewer than two million people, which is very small relative to most countries around the world. The life expectancy in Latvia is 74 years, which is above the global average of 71 years. The annual mortality rate is 754 per 100,000. Though it is small, the top diseases in Latvia mirror global trends.
When traveling to Latvia, it is recommended by the CDC to have all routine vaccinations up to date, as well as hepatitis A. There is the possibility of contaminated food and water in Latvia.
The top two diseases in Latvia are both cardiac-related, much like most of the world. The heart diseases are the only two on the list of the top diseases in Latvia that have stayed in their spot for the last 20 years. The numbers have been decreasing for both ischemic heart disease and stroke. In third place, cardiomyopathy is also heart-related and has been rising since last counted when it was in the ninth position.
An interesting development in Latvia over the last 20 years has been the rise of HIV/AIDS. It was not near the top in 1990 in position 83, but it has jumped to the sixth since then. This has encouraged a discussion of prevention and education efforts. Educating the public on the dangers and how to be safe can prevent cases and resulting fatalities.
The risk factors of many of the top diseases in Latvia include dietary choices, high blood pressure, smoking and alcohol use and physical inactivity.
– Brendin Axtman
Photo: Flickr
4 Girls’ Education Organizations That You Should Know About
The plight of many uneducated women in developing countries is a woeful one. Many face poverty, female genital mutilation and early marriage. Access to education opens doors for women, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families and enabling them to participate in politics and the working world. Below are four girls’ education organizations working actively to improve women’s lives.
4 Girls’ Education Organizations That You Should Know About
While there remains room for gender equality in schools to improve, these girls’ education organizations have made significant strides in creating access and increasing the quality of schooling for girls, an achievement that serves to develop the world as a whole.
– Madeline Forwerck
Photo: Flickr
Wealth in Dubai: Generous Strides in the Global Poverty Effort
People believe that wealth in Dubai stems from its oil industry. However, it only accounts for about 7 percent of its total revenue. The big bucks are in Dubai’s real estate. Reports show that most of the state’s $82.11 billion in revenue come from its investment in real estate, airlines, and sea ports.
Dubai has shown that its population has no plans to hold onto its wealth. The city has made tremendous strides toward the eradication of global poverty and plans to continue to do so until it is eliminated. Forty-six years after the foundation of the UAE, international aid provided by its government and non-governmental organizations has been estimated at $15.23 billion. This international support using wealth in Dubai makes it one of the world’s largest contributors to foreign aid.
“Foreign aid and assistance are one of the basic pillars of our foreign policy. For we believe that there is no true benefit for us from the wealth that we have unless it does not also reach those in need, wherever they may be, and regardless of their nationality or beliefs,” founder and former president of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said.
The majority of Dubai’s foreign aid goes to programs that focus on the assistance of the poor, healthcare, energy generation, transport and storage. In recent years, the state has put an emphasis on the pursuit of solar energy.
Dubai’s leaders say that sustainability and clean energy are priorities for any long-term resolution to issues created by poverty. They say that further investment in solar energy will lead to its use in emergency operations, schools, refugee camps and other aid processes of this kind.
– Emily Trosclair
Photo: Flickr
Exploring How Foreign Aid Builds Alliances
Over the past 20 years, terrorist attacks have become more common, and groups such as the Islamic State and al Qaeda have become global enemies. These occurrences raise the question: What is the best way to fight? Exploring how foreign aid builds alliances with a look at recent history may have the answer.
Less than 80 years ago, Germany, Italy and Japan declared war on the U.S. as a part of WWII. In response, the U.S.temporarily ended diplomatic relations with these nations. When the war ended, much of Europe was destroyed, and the continent faced wide-spread famine. In these conditions, the U.S. gave extensive foreign aid to these and other nations, helping to rebuild their communities, economies and daily lives. Today, these three countries are some of our closest allies, giving evidence that foreign aid helps forge alliances.
The U.S. government feared that the Soviet Union could take advantage of Europe’s frailty and institute communism throughout the continent. In response, the new secretary of state, George Marshall, constructed the European Recovery Program, commonly called the Marshall Plan.
The Marshall plan appropriated $13 billion to 16 European nations. This was aimed at providing food to prevent famine as well as sending other basic necessities and supplies to begin rebuilding. These shipments allowed Europe to reestablish its economy and fueled the coal and steel industries that are so important today. This investment also made a path for the eventual creation of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO).
Below are three examples of benefits when foreign aid builds alliances.
1. Germany is one of our leading trade partners
As of today, Germany no longer receives U.S. foreign aid and has the largest European economy. Not only do both the U.S. and Germany remain in NATO, but the countries work together to expand global trade. Germany is also a large supplier of goods for the U.S. They exported $125 billion worth of goods, while the U.S. exported $50 billion to Germany.
Beyond economic ties, Germany also works with the U.S. at the U.N. Germany has been integral to fighting the Islamic State and al Qaeda and to maintaining peace in Africa and the Balkans.
2. Italy helps the U.S. agenda on human rights, democracy and disease control
Italy is now a prosperous nation that no longer requires foreign aid.
Italy is a member of the U.N., the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, G8, G20 and many other international organizations. In these roles, Italy works with the U.S. to cultivate democracy throughout the world and reduce conflict and terrorism. Italy also helps the U.S. in human rights, drug trafficking, human trafficking and fighting epidemics such as ebola. Rebuilding Italy after WWII helped create this strong alliance and gave the U.S. a powerful partner when negotiating complex international issues.
3. Japan partners with the U.S. to research innovative technology
The U.S. occupied Japan as a part of the treaty of surrender following WWII. This involved restructuring Japan’s political, social and economic systems. The country was demilitarized as the U.S. promised to protect it from any future conflict.
The beginning of the occupation focused on political and social reforms. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy began to collapse. At this point, the U.S. focused on rebuilding the economy through taxes restructured to reduce inflation. The Korean War soon began, and at the suggestion of occupying forces, the U.N. used Japan as its primary supplier during the war. As a result, Japan’s economy developed back into a healthy, sustainable one.
Japan remains a successful democracy and still has a robust economy. Japan no longer receives foreign aid and now offers aid to other developing nations. Moreover, they echo the voice of the U.S. agenda in East Asia. Japan supports political and military efforts of the U.S. in North Korea.
Japan also works with the U.S. in researching medicine and space travel. Together the two countries form the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement. For 25 years they have worked on advancing computer and energy technologies.
Less than 80 years ago these three countries were so devastated that their civilizations could have collapsed entirely. They are now world leaders along with the U.S. When foreign aid builds alliances, it creates strong countries and resilient partnerships. Foreign aid is able to turn our most sincere enemies into our friends.
– Mary Katherine Crowley
Photo: Flickr