[WCUSP] Fw: Take Action: Urge Sec. Rice and Members of Congress to Continue US Aid to the Palestinian People!

Sat Nov 11 18:51:45 CST 2006

Note date of original message by the Arab American Institute.

Libby

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Libby or Mort Frank 
To: LMFrank1 at verizon.net 
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 9:43 AM
Subject: Fw: Take Action: Urge Sec. Rice and Members of Congress to Continue US Aid to the Palestinian People!

----- Original Message ----- 
From: AAI Alert 
To: AAI Alert 
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 4:30 PM
Subject: Take Action: Urge Sec. Rice and Members of Congress to Continue US Aid to the Palestinian People!

Urge Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Members of Congress to Continue US Aid to the Palestinian People!

Take Action!
AAI has prepared a letter for you to send to your members of Congress and Sec. Rice. Click here.

The Issue:
The stunning results of last week's Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) election has raised serious question about the future of US aid to the Palestinian people.  To protect US interests in the region and avoid a humanitarian disaster in the West Bank and Gaza, it is imperative that the Quartet-the United States, European Union, United Nations, and Russia-reiterate their commitment to providing development assistance, humanitarian aid, and support for building democratic institutions in the West Bank and Gaza.

Some Members of Congress have moved beyond rhetoric to introduce legislation that would stop US aid to Palestinians.  This grandstanding is poisoning the public debate. 

Tell Secretary Rice and your Member of Congress:

  a.. The United States does not send money to the Palestinian Authority.  According to US law, funds cannot be transferred to the Palestinian Authority unless directed by presidential waiver.  

  a.. US foreign aid is managed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).  All money for Palestinian projects is disbursed to private contractors and nongovernmental organizations chosen and monitored by USAID.  Recipients of US funds for projects in the West Bank and Gaza include American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), Save the Children, UNICEF, the Academy for Educational Development, and AMIDEAST.

  a.. In the State of the Union address, President Bush said, "Raising up a democracy requires the rule of law, and protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote."  We must remain committed to building the institutions that support a democracy-rule of law, an independent judiciary, vibrant civil society, and a free press.  In fact, our aid programs do just that.

  a.. It is in our nation's interest to support President Mahmoud Abbas.  Abbas has reiterated his commitment to a negotiated two-state solution and, as President of the Palestinian Authority, retains veto power over any legislation that comes out of the PLC.  A withdrawal of US funds could result in the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, essentially creating a "failed state" in the West Bank and Gaza. 

  a.. US foreign aid strengthens Palestinian civil society, empowering moderates to affect change in their government.  US disengagement as a punishment for the results of an election it actively supported could cause a breakdown in civil society.  This vacuum could lead to civil war or increased interference from regional players.  

  a.. US involvement on the Palestinian issue affects our image throughout the Arab and Muslim world.  USAID programs, which improve the daily lives of the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid, the empowerment of civil society, and fostering democratic institutions is a fundamental element of any successful public diplomacy strategy.  

  a.. Under the motto "from people to people," The US Agency for International Development (USAID) provides aid to the Palestinian people through six main pillars: economic growth, water resources, democracy and governance, health, community services, and higher education. 
Take Action!
AAI has prepared a letter for you to send to your members of Congress and Sec. Rice. Click here.

The American people can be proud of programs administered through USAID and its partners:

  a.. Expanded Private Sector Economic Opportunities:  According to the World Bank, "An unemployment rate of about 25 percent in 2003 (compared with 10 percent at the eve of the intifada) underscores the fact that the Palestinian economy operates well below its potential. Young people are particularly hard hit by unemployment: 37 percent of young people were unemployed at the end of 2003 compared with 14 percent on the eve of the intifada in September 2000."  
        According to USAID, efforts to enhance the private sector and create a Palestinian middle class have: helped Palestinian firms sell over $100 million in good to news export markets, provided business development services to over 700 firms, and established a micro-finance providers' network.

  a.. Water Resource Development: USAID water supply, waste water treatment, and infrastructure programs have improved the lives of millions of Palestinians.  According to USAID, the Palestinian water consumption rate is "half the internationally recommended daily amount of water for consumption, hygiene, and cleaning needs."  
        These projects have: doubled the water supply for 400,000 residents in Hebron-Bethlehem, treated water serving 300,000 residents in Gaza, and reconstructed roads, pipes, and generators destroyed during Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) incursions benefiting 100,000 Palestinians.

  a.. Democracy and Governance: One of the pillars of a democracy is a free and fair judiciary.  USAID's Rule of Law program has contributed to fostering an independent judiciary through "capacity building, training, and technical assistance to develop 13 Palestinian courts, seven attorney general and prosecutorial offices, and four law schools since 1999."  
In addition, USAID's civil society program, Tamkeen, has awarded grants "to 200 Palestinian civil society organizations working in all sectors throughout the West Bank and Gaza, helping them represent, advocate for, and inform the citizens and communities they serve."  The Moderate Voices project "has supported and strengthened the work of Palestinian civil society organizations to confront violence and incitement.

  a.. Health and Humanitarian Assistance: USAID health and humanitarian programs have worked to increase the accessibility and quality of Palestinian health services, including providing psychosocial support to over 100,000 Palestinian children.  In the face of growing poverty and decreased access to clean water and health care since the start of the intifada, $11 million is US foreign aid has gone to hospitals and clinics, and training programs for over 1,300 health care professionals. 

  a.. Improved Community Services: The World Bank reports that, as of December 2001, 50% of the Palestinian population lives below the poverty line (less than $2 a day).  USAID, in conjunction with international and Palestinian partners, have responded to the mounting crisis by providing basic services, including the construction or renovation of: 2,179 classrooms; 200 youth centers; 105 community and women's centers; 46 health clinics; 1,503 water sources; and over 700 kilometers of road. 
To combat dangerously high levels of unemployment, USAID has conducted "1 million trainee hours.to increase business, computer, literacy, management and other skills.targeting women, youth, and the disabled."  The Jobs Opportunities through Basic Services (JOBS) program has "created more than 1 million person-days of work to unemployed Palestinians through the funding of improvements to the infrastructure and social services in Palestinian villages, towns, and municipalities." 

  a.. Higher Education and Training: In addition to providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study to Palestinian students, USAID has fostered partnerships between Palestinian and American universities which provide faculty and staff curriculum and aid in developing curriculum.  American universities including Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, and Utah State University have partnered with Palestinian institutions to develop programs in public health, law, and university administration.
Last spring, USAID administered technical training programs for Palestinian journalists on topics including news coverage planning, ethics, the role of media in democracy, and investigative reporting.  

Take Action!

AAI has prepared a letter for you to send to your members of Congress and Sec. Rice. Click here.
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