Why poor countries are poor

Foreign aid money might be lining the Cameroonian despot's pocket and perpetuating his rule ("Why Poor Countries Are Poor," March), but that hasn't stopped us from sending more. In 2003 dictator Paul Biya received $200,000 under the International Military Education and Training program of the U.S. Department of Defense. If you are wondering why, consider a White House press release from March of that year, which reported a meeting at which George W. Bush "congratulated President Biya on Cameroon's successful record of reform, and encouraged him to continue to tackle sensitive issues, such as governance and privatization," and (more important) that "President Biya has been supportive of U.S. effort to combat international terrorism."

Nimish Adhia

Chicago, IL

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