Why the G8 should open its books

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/may/19/g8-aid-spending-transparency

The controversy over the leaked G8 report measuring progress against 2005 aid commitments demonstrates yet again the need for greater aid transparency.

The numbers used by the G8 to measure spending on development do not match other assessments, including those by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Aid campaigners such as Oxfam have suggested the G8 is trying to hide its failure to stick to commitments.

Lack of aid transparency means we are wasting time and energy arguing about what has and hasn't happened. Energy that should be spent on the shared goal of getting the most out of aid in the fight against poverty and social injustice.

Increased aid transparency is key to making the best of aid spending. It creates a vital mechanism for taxpayers, citizens, journalists, NGOs and donors themselves to increase efficiency and reduce waste and corruption. When information is comparable and accessible, aid transparency helps citizens to follow the money – from the donor down to the textbooks, medicines and miles of road built.

The corruption starts with the fact that aid is given with the understanding that the donor will have its companies used in contracts to supply aid and move it around. There's a lot of room for corruption. I firmly believe that's why the US..and others, to be fair..prefer to deal with dictatorships.

That is where the IMF comes in. The West gets more in debt payments every day than is given every year in aid...it's a con game, a way to make the world safe for corporations. Why bother with military invasions if an economic stranglehold gets you what you want?