I. Public Benefit
It has been four years since the tragic events of 9/11. During
that time the United States has led the establishment of a
60-nation coalition to fight terrorism in all parts of the
globe. While al-Qaeda has been severely damaged with the loss
of Afghanistan as a base of international operations, they
continue to be the dominant threat to the United States and
its allies. More than 3,400 terrorist suspects have been arrested
or detained worldwide. More than $100 million in terrorist
assets have been blocked worldwide with 173 nations issuing
orders to freeze terrorist assets. In the United States alone
more than $36 million in assets of al-Qaeda have been blocked,
and $26 million has been returned to the government of Afghanistan.
In every corner of the globe, the Secretary, the Administrator,
Ambassadors, and Mission Directors have pressed their counterparts
for expanded cooperation and intensified efforts against terrorists.
Through such effective diplomacy, the United States has developed
and leads a worldwide coalition that acts to suppress terrorism
on all fronts: military, intelligence, law enforcement, public
diplomacy, and financial. Key to the ability to mobilize effective
action by U.S. foreign partners is the provision of training
to those who want to help but lack the means. In FY 2004 USAID
committed more than $6.081 billion to programs that fought
terrorism at its roots. These programs (including programs
on anti-terrorist assistance) establishing stable and modern
government, job creation, and education reforms have significantly
improved the abilities of many countries to be effective partners.
II. Resources Invested
III. Selected Performance Trends
Number of Students Enrolled in Basic Education Programs
(by Madrassa, Other) in Frontline States Receiving a Secular
Curriculum Supported through USAID.
IV. Illustrative Example of Significant Achievement
Jobs Key in Iraq
Workers inspect cables at Umm Qsar, Iraq.
Photo: Bechtel National, Inc
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At least 50,000 Iraqis per month are finding work—whether
temporary or permanent—through USAID-supported programs.
"We are the engine, in terms of creating employment,"
said Iraq Mission Director Spike Stevenson during a recent
visit to Washington, D.C.
USAID employs an average of 40,000 Iraqis per month on short-term,
labor-intensive jobs cleaning up communities and rehabilitating
schools and other buildings. These activities focus on poor
and conflict-prone areas.
Meanwhile, some 8,000 Iraqis have found long-term employment
with contractors and subcontractors funded by the Agency.
Thousands are also participating in trainings that teach job
skills. Some $21 million in microcredit loans to small and
medium-sized businesses are also creating jobs as Iraq's economy
tries to get back on its feet. USAID is funding the loans
through non-governmental organizations (NGO). Some 52 percent
of Iraqis are unemployed, and many of those with jobs are
underemployed, working part-time or for small income. This
is a particularly alarming figure, given that some 70 percent
of the Iraqi population is under 25—a large labor pool
with need for economic opportunity.
"Our programs focus on creating long-term, meaningful
employment," said Nadia Dawood of the Iraq desk.
Under a new program, USAID will also work with vocational
and educational centers throughout Iraq to provide job skills
training and help people find work.
USAID-assisted private sector housing and commercial construction
are also creating jobs, especially in urban areas. Iraq is
estimated to have a housing shortage of one million units.
The Agency is rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure,
maintaining irrigation networks, and improving crop and livestock
production technologies, focusing on the private sector. "These
activities will provide employment and higher incomes for
the rural population and lead to sector-wide economic growth,"
said Doug Pool of the Iraq team.
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