Dear Kossacks
The fifteen richest countries in the EU have committed to increase their contribution to fighting world poverty to over 0.5% of GDP by 2010. Way to address the root causes of terrorism.
Even the ten recently-joined poorer states, Rumsfeld's beloved "New Europe", have agreed a target of 0.17%. (For perspective: the US managed only 0.16% in 2004.)
More below the fold.
Sadly, much of the British media seem to be spreading crime scares as usual, but the Guardian, bless them, have had the heart to put it on the front page, written up by their political and economic editors, no less. You can see the BBC's item here.
Tony Blair and the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, have been at the forefront of this diplomatic effort. Are they just trying to win back their disaffected support on the internationalist Left after the Iraq debacle? Sure they are, but who cares? Flawed vessels can still carry nectar. I was pleasantly surprised that Blair & Brown actually tried to make development an election issue, although they were blown off course by the leak of the Downing Street correspondence.
By the way, Britain is in the throes of a "Make Poverty History" campaign to push the UN's development goals - expect activities and demonstrations when the G8 meets in Gleneagles, Scotland this summer.