2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

FOREIGN AID
Securing America, Strengthening Our Allies
Foreign aid is one of the most important tools available to help American policymakers
advance American interests in the world. As U.S. military leaders have repeatedly and readily
acknowledged, a powerful military is inadequate unless it is backed up by a strong civilian
diplomatic presence and the financial resources to help friends and undermine adversaries
around the globe.
In areas such as the Middle East, a region long plagued by wars, terror and religious extremism,
foreign aid helps bring stability, encourage moderation and further the prospects for peace.
U.S. aid to Israel, for example, assures that America’s close friend and ally has the military
capabilities to deter attacks from hostile neighbors or to prevail on the battlefield. Israel’s
adversaries understand that U.S. backing prevents them from destroying the Jewish state.
Underfunding foreign aid would result in a risky disengagement from the world at a time when
we face serious military and economic threats. America will confront a much more precarious
future without the resources to help secure strong allies, build stable societies in conflict zones,
stop criminals and disease from spreading across our borders and encourage responsible economic
development in struggling countries.
Asserting U.S. Economic Leadership and Creating American Jobs
During the current economic downturn, in which millions of Americans lost their jobs, there is no
more important issue than job creation. In today’s globalized economy, U.S. foreign aid continues to
U.S. foreign assistance helps nations recover from natural disasters and prevent the spread of diseases.
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