Views from the Center
Obama FY10 Budget Charts Course to Doubling Aid
Yesterday, the Obama Administration released top-line numbers of its FY10 budget request. Of the whopping $3.6 trillion budget, $51.7 billion was allotted to the International Affairs Budget, an estimated 9.5% above the comparable amount for FY09.
A Foreign Assistance Act for the 21st Century
Many of you have asked why my Q&A on rewriting the Foreign Assistance Act was not a blog so you could offer commentary. Your wishes are my command -- I would love to see your thoughts.
Hey Jack Lew, Are You Ready for Some Football?
This is a joint post with Sheila Herrling
Dear Coach Lew,
Congratulations on your new position as deputy secretary of state where we understand you will be responsible for mobilizing and managing diplomacy and development resources, and reinvigorating those two "D's" alongside defense in the administration's new smart power agenda. Because of your demanding new role, we realize you might not get to properly enjoy the Super Bowl festivities this weekend, so we thought we'd bring a little Super Bowl pre-game analysis to the task ahead of you and your team.
WhiteHouse.gov Catching Up to Obama
Despite reports that incoming White House staff found their new digs in the technological dark ages the official White House website has undergone something of an Obama makeover (and in a clear sign that my computer is way behind the times, it still doesn't recognize "Obama" in its outdated Microsoft spellchecker).
Global Development Prominent in Clinton Confirmation Hearing
Development was a prominent theme in Tuesday's Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of State–designate.
My (Partial) Policy Wish List for 2009: Development Dreaming or Practical Possibilities?
We are at the start of what promises to be an unusually difficult year in the global economy. Policy decisions in the United States and other rich world countries will matter immensely for poor and vulnerable people living in developing countries.
Commentary Menu