Transparency Inc.

Al-Akhbar ran a small article today, but I cant find the link, on the recent aid package received by Lebanon from the US. Wheat (from the US surplus) for a value of $5millions was sent. The purpose is to sell the wheat on the local market, and use the money for agricultural development projects, managed by US NGOs and Lebanese partners. According to al akhbar, the requirements for the Lebanese NGOs is to have been operational for at least 5 years. There are no similar requirements for the US NGOs. The Ministry of Economy and Trade (Haddadamus) is to oversee the program. Al Akhbar also mentions the fine prints: That the decisions of who to grant the money to are the prerogative of the ministry and do not have to be justified.