n in military and economic aid for Middle East and Central Asian countries currently in turmoil. Egypt tops a list of 10 nations, receiving $114 billion since the end of World War II. Iraq comes in second, getting nearly $60 billion from the U.S. (over and above war costs). Some lawmakers want to pull back U.S. aid because of anti-American protests.
Far outpacing those ten countries is Israel, an ally that got another $185 billion in U.S. aid in the same period.
What did all that money buy the U.S.? Neither regional stability nor automatic support. In fact, some lawmakers want to pull back U.S. aid because of anti-American protests. Check out our infographic for more on where the money went. See “What Do Others Say” for more opinions on U.S. aid abroad, then add yours to the discussion below. How much should we be giving to troubled countries? What should we expect in return?
- Related:Congressional Research Service Report: “U.S. Foreign Assistance to the Middle East: Historical Background, Recent Trends and the FY2011 Request” More
- Government Accountability Office: “State and DOD Need to Assess How the Foreign Military Financing Program for Egypt Achieves U.S. Foreign Policy and Security Goals” More
- Fox News: “US aid to Middle East questioned after anti-American attacks in region” More
- Brookings Institution: “Prioritizing democracy: How the next president should re-orient U.S. policy in the Middle East” More
- Reuters: “Clinton reassures Egypt's Mursi on U.S. assistance” More
