Billions For Aid Never Reaches Afghans

by Quil Lawrence, NPR

The special inspector general for Afghan reconstruction has found it nearly impossible to account for the almost $18 billion spent from 2007 to 2009, declaring that much of the record-keeping was too poor to analyze. An insider from one USAID program says nearly the entire budget was spent on staff salaries, lavish accommodations and security. Some long-standing aid groups in Kabul denounce the flood of money for what they consider the inevitable corruption that comes with it.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, November 12, 2010