Originally Posted by africanhope

I find myself wondering why aid became the focus of the debate on whoch country is having the best effect in the world. There is so much more than just aid. There is forgeing policy. There is peacekeeping (here Canada is indeed making a very contribution), and intervention (I do not necesarily mean military intervention). And to be honest, looking at the countries in this poll, all fall a bit short, except maybe Canada.

Why do I say so, well, let's go through the list:
The EU talks the talk, but does not walk the walk. It critizeses Zimbabwe and Sudan, but still trades with these countries. Also, EU protectionism is making aid inefective as it does not allow the developing world to compete fairly.
US. George Bush's forgeign policy did the US image a lot of damage. Also, it SEEMS that the US tends to think that military intervention is the only form of intervention. Also, the same as the EU on portectionism.
Canada - Good and fair forgeign policy, but not a very powerfull country, so does not carry a lot of weight
Japan - I can't comment - I have not heard the Japanese even once comment on issues concerning Africa.
China - Witnessing the new Eastern 'Scramble for Africa' and the fact that the Chinese do not care who they trade with, the should score very low
India would obviously not give much to aid, as they still do struggle with poverty. They do play an active role and is a loud voice for the Developing World. Yet, I wouldscorethem low because of their nuce arm race with Pakistan
Is Russia and Iran really on the list? I mean come on!
Israel. Uhm I would also say they score low, but this is always a hot and emotional topic.
France - I love the country, lived there a bit. But.... I find their forgeign policy to be a bit hypocrytical. They act as the great defender of the Developing World, but are the greatest defendend of protectionism. They tlk peace, but their armies are to be found all over Africa, not always for good reasons. And there is always Rwanda, where France's role was shamefull. But they do a lot for development (not only giving money) even in non-Francophone countries.

Based on this, I would also score Canada the highest.

AH