The Muslim belt: Nordic aid from Sudan to Afghanistan

Since 9/11, Norway has launched a massive increase of aid in the Muslim belt from Africa to Western Asia. Norway has become the dominating Nordic donor in countries like Sudan, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, all hot spots in the war against terror. In Palestine and Sudan, Sweden is also an important player. In the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq, Denmark strongly profiled its plans for substantial assistance. Little has materialised though and Denmark remains a rather small donor in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In contrast, Denmark has held the position as the largest Nordic donor in many traditional African recipient countries. These are some results of Development Today’s analysis of aid figures from OECD/DAC and the Nordic aid administrations.