The USA cannot give us development [Archives:2003/659/Viewpoint]

Editor
Last week, I was approached by a researcher studying the effects of Yemen's anti -war efforts and its cooperation with the USA. She asked me a question about the positive contribution this cooperation has brought forward to Yemen's development.
“Yemen has committed itself to cooperate with the USA in security. However, what is there in return for Yemen's cooperation? Is the USA intending to provide developmental projects and financial assistance?” she asked.
I was not sure where to start answering the question, because it touched on an important aspect in US-Yemen relations, and in fact US relations with other countries that expressed their commitment to cooperate fully with the USA to combat terrorism.
When I thought about it for the first time, I realized that the main 'positive' return out of such cooperation is removing Yemen from the list of 'non-cooperative' countries, which are always under threat of repercussions.
On the other hand, there should have also been some other things paid to Yemen in return for its cooperation. Yemen's stance in support of the USA's war against terror in a time hostility and hatred towards the USA is growing amid the local community because of the war against Iraq, is definitely some sacrifice. The USA has pledged to provide Yemen with financial assistance deeply needed for development, yet Yemenis are still waiting to see when and how it will be given.
My answer was simple and straightforward, “Unlike countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan, the USA is lagging behind in its assistance for Yemen's development.”
The USA may have promised to give assistance to many countries in the world, many which are still waiting after they indicated their will to support USA's anti terror efforts, but time is running out, and assistance is not flowing.
In short, the question raised another question that we as developing countries' citizens should think of: Can development come from abroad?
Assistance in development could certainly come from other countries to help, but development as a whole can only be initiated and processed from within the country. Nor the USA, nor any other country could be the ultimate body to rely on for our own country's development. It is the citizens themselves who should work hard in achieving development on all fronts.
The US government is already stuck with so many financial burdens and budget deficits. It has a long list of countries to support financially for their 'positive' role in supporting its war against so-called terrorism and other similar issues.
Hence, it would be foolish to sit and wait until it comes for the rescue. We should start immediately in implementing the plans we have been drafting for so long to achieve overall development.
The USA wouldn't be as keen in helping other nations if it has its own economy in trouble. AFP had reported last May that a study applying rigorous accounting standards to the US budget suggested the true fiscal deficit – counting long-term pension and health care liabilities – is a whopping 44 trillion dollars (44,000,000,000,000). The study also found the fiscal imbalance includes seven trillion dollars for Social Security retirement costs and 38 trillion dollars for the Medicare health program for the elderly.
This comes in a time of instability in Iraq, which could potentially turn into a 'Desert Vietnam' as some call it. If the US leaves Iraq right now, then it could mark a horrible nightmare for the US economy as all dreams of returned 'investment' in the war will be shattered.
In conclusion, the USA cannot give us the development we aspire. It all comes from within, and will not come until we work hard and dedicate ourselves to achieve a brighter future for Yemen.
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