WHILE CHARLES Stith's Feb. 11 op-ed "Foreign aid sows hope for democracy" is correct that the Millennium Challenge Corporation has tremendous potential to improve infrastructure in African countries, failing to tackle the tougher government accountability reforms in these nations puts at risk longer-term democratic development.
The debate in Congress over funding levels for the MCC is missing the point. What matters most is the quality of the aid and its recipient, not the quantity. Tanzania is a perfect example. As demonstrated by the Feb. 8 resignation of its prime minister following a $172 million procurement scandal, the country is moving toward making its government more accountable. But Tanzania remains hampered by poor government transparency measures and weak regulations against conflicts of interest.
Without the necessary reforms, there is no guarantee that future US aid will cement long-term economic development rather than just line the pockets of corrupt government officials.
Yes, foreign aid can help developing countries build hope. But Congress, the president, and the MCC must also take concrete steps to require that these countries adopt clear-cut standards for spending these resources wisely.
NATHANIEL HELLER, Managing director, Global Integrity, Washington
