What has the administration been unable to do the opportunity costs because of U.S. involvement in Iraq?
A16. Perhaps the most serious opportunity cost has been the diversion of U.S. diplomatic effort, attention, and resources from long-standing crises, particularly in Africa and Asia. While overall foreign assistance dollars have increased in the last few years, much of this money has been directed toward the unilateral U.S. anti-HIV/AIDS program, the Millennium Challenge Account which imposes strict standards of governance before a regime can receive assistance, and building regional and national anti-terror capabilities. The capability to forecast and thereby be positioned to try to prevent crises from escalating into armed conflict and, once a conflict ends, to prevent recurrence, has yet to be developed. Moreover, the fact that President Bushs eventual pledge of $350 million for tsunami disaster aid virtually wipes out FY2005 State Department funds for humanitarian aid and disaster relief is indicative of the long-running, anti-foreign aid stance of numerous congresses and administra
