Obama appoints Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head USAID

[Screaming Skull]

Obama appoints Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head USAID​

11 November 2009,

WASHINGTON: Indian-Americans won one of their highest-ever appointments in the US government when President Obama on Tuesday nominated Dr Rajiv Shah as administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Dr Shah, who currently serves as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the US Department of Agriculture, will take his new job after he is confirmed by the Senate, a step that is expected to happen quickly. With a budget of over $40 billion and nearly 2000 employees, USAID is an independent federal agency that is responsible for most US non-military foreign aid, virtually the developmental face of Uncle Sam.

"The mission of USAID is to advance America's interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal," President Obama said while announcing Shah's nomination.

Shah, a graduate of University of Michigan, earned his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his Master of Science in health economics at the Wharton School of Business. He also attended the London School of Economics before becoming a policy wonk, variously working at the World Health Organisation, advising the Gore 2000 presidential campaign on health care policy, and most recently, before joining the Obama administration, serving as Director for Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

At USDA, he managed the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and was responsible for overseeing more than 10,000 staff worldwide including 2,200 federal scientists and a budget of more than $2.6 billion. He also launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - a new scientific institute created to elevate and enhance the capacity of agricultural research to address sustainable food production, climate change, bioenergy and human nutrition.

But the job as USAID administrator is a major promotion, elevating him to a crucial job that involves advancing US foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade; health; democracy, conflict prevention, and humanitarian assistance abroad. Although its predecessor agency International Cooperation Administration dates back to World War II and the Marshall Plan, USAID was formally constituted in 1961 and is considered a crucial foreign policy arm of the US government.

The agency typically receives foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State, and expectedly, Hillary Clinton warmly welcomed the Shah's appointment, describing him as a "leader in the development community, an innovative and results-oriented manager, and someone who understands the importance of providing people around the world with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty and chart their own destinies."

"A trained medical doctor and health economist, Raj has the skills and experience to lead a reinvigorated USAID in the 21st century. He has a record of delivering results in both the private and public sectors, forging partnerships around the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and developing innovative solutions in global health, agriculture, and financial services for the poor," Clinton said in a statement.

Shah will have his hands full once he is confirmed by the State since the USAID administrator's post has been vacant for several months with an acting administrator holding the fort after Obama came to office. In fact, the vacancy at the top of USAID had attracted the ire of Congress, whose members noted that it was the “only major agency in the government without a captain at a time when American leadership in development around the world is more needed than ever.”

In a September 18 letter to Obama urging him to expeditiously appoint a USAID administrator, Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar complained that USAID has been shut out of the interagency processes related to US policy in places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.

"We recommend that you give strong consideration to selecting a candidate that has already gone through the vetting process and that has experience in global development. We believe that time is of the essence, and that the longer we wait for a new leader for the Agency, the more serious the problems become," they said.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt and Israel are among the biggest recipients of USAID dollars and Pakistan is soon expected to join the top ranks since much of the US non-military assistance to Islamabad is expected to be sent through USAID. As of September 2009, the USAID said it had contributed more than $ 170 million in assistance to conflict-affected population in Pakistan. India, which at one time got around $ 160 million in USAID funds (a pittance in per capita terms), has gradually weaned itself off US dole, preferring trade and business opportunities.

Obama appoints Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head USAID - US - World - The Times of India

 

[Screaming Skull]

White House Press Release-

President Obama Announces USAID Administrator​

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Rajiv Shah as Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

President Obama said, “The mission of USAID is to advance America’s interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal. I am grateful for all that USAID has accomplished under the leadership of Acting Administrator Alonzo Fulgham, and the thousands of career men and women who fulfill USAID’s mission day in and day out – particularly their hard work in jumpstarting a landmark initiative to bring more than $20 billion for agriculture development to the world's most food-insecure countries. I look forward to working with Rajiv in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama nominated the following individual today:

Dr. Rajiv Shah, Nominee for Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Dr. Rajiv Shah currently serves as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He manages the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. He is responsible for managing more than 10,000 staff worldwide including 2,200 federal scientists and a budget of more than $2.6 billion. He also leads the Department’s participation in President Obama’s global food security initiative. In his tenure at USDA, Dr. Shah launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – a new scientific institute created to elevate and enhance the capacity of agricultural research to address sustainable food production, climate change, bioenergy and human nutrition. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Dr. Shah served as the Director for Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Previously, Dr. Shah served as the foundation’s first Director for Financial Services to the Poor and led the Strategic Opportunities initiative through which he worked with foundation co-chairs to identify, assess and recommend new areas of giving. Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Shah worked on health care policy for the Gore 2000 presidential campaign and served as a member of Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's transition committee on health. He is a co-founder of Health Systems Analytics and Project IMPACT for South Asian Americans. In addition, he has served as a policy aide in the British Parliament and worked at the World Health Organization. Dr. Shah earned his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his Master of Science in health economics at the Wharton School of Business. He has attended the London School of Economics, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

President Obama Announces USAID Administrator | The White House

 

[Kaali]

well the Indian lobby in increasing in US politics.... seems like a good sign

 

[S-2]

"well the Indian lobby in increasing in US politics.... seems like a good sign..."

You are trolling.

He is an American citizen and the only lobby likely to be increasing is his proponency of USAid projects GLOBALLY.

Quit lighting fires and then pouring the fuel unless you can provide evidence that he places Indian interests before American interests. If so, please post that here and forward to those in charge of his confirmation hearings.

If not, cease and desist with the smarmy, vacuous trolling and mind your own business.

 

[Kaali]

"well the Indian lobby in increasing in US politics.... seems like a good sign..."

You are trolling.

He is an American citizen and the only lobby likely to be increasing is his proponency of USAid projects GLOBALLY.

Quit lighting fires and then pouring the fuel unless you can provide evidence that he places Indian interests before American interests. If so, please post that here and forward to those in charge of his confirmation hearings.

If not, cease and desist with the smarmy, vacuous trolling and mind your own business.

Oh sorry may be I chose the wrong words. No at any point of time I would expect an Indian American with American nationality to keep Indian intrests before American interests.

What I actually meant by is that the no of Indian Americans are increasing in the American government.

 

[S-2]

"What I actually meant by is that the no of Indian Americans are increasing in the American government."

Dr. Shah's nomination to lead USAid doesn't change by one iota the numbers of Indian-Americans employed by our government.

He is ALREADY employed by and serving our government-

"Dr. Rajiv Shah currently serves as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

I think you're trolling and still do. You also dissemble and do so poorly.

Unless you can show an Indian-American who's been hired by the U.S. government from the private sector as a result of THIS article, there's little doubt what you've intended.

You've been disproved. Please stop trolling and also cease with the duplicitous back-tracking. I'm not wrong on either count and, if it continues, you'll be reported to the Pakstani mods here to determine who's correct.

What follows is up to you. Your move.

 

[Peshwa]

"well the Indian lobby in increasing in US politics.... seems like a good sign..."

You are trolling.

He is an American citizen and the only lobby likely to be increasing is his proponency of USAid projects GLOBALLY.

Quit lighting fires and then pouring the fuel unless you can provide evidence that he places Indian interests before American interests. If so, please post that here and forward to those in charge of his confirmation hearings.

If not, cease and desist with the smarmy, vacuous trolling and mind your own business.

S2....It is a known fact that the strong presence of Jewish businessman who fund political campaigns, jewish politicians (Mike Bloomberg) who openly support causes that are beneficial to their community worldwide is one of the main factors that bind Israel and US so closely.....One cannot overlook the fact that these people serve as "influencers" in US foreign policy....

Similarly, the presence of Indian Americans Politicians such as Bobby Jindal and Indo-Americans in high administrative posts such as this will surely sympathize with the Indian community and drive to improve relations between US-India thus beneficial to both.......

I think Kaali may have chosen the wrong words to imply the right idea....

But nowhere do we think or would support a US national of Indian origin to support India over his country of nationality....
Hope you see my point!!!

 

[rubyjackass]

"well the Indian lobby in increasing in US politics.... seems like a good sign..."

You are trolling.

He is an American citizen and the only lobby likely to be increasing is his proponency of USAid projects GLOBALLY.

Quit lighting fires and then pouring the fuel unless you can provide evidence that he places Indian interests before American interests. If so, please post that here and forward to those in charge of his confirmation hearings.

If not, cease and desist with the smarmy, vacuous trolling and mind your own business.

We have a myth here that Indian Americans are ours, that they will do whatever India needs, blah blah.
The fact is they are Americans and work for America.

 

[S-2]

"S2....It is a known fact that the strong presence of Jewish businessman who fund political campaigns, jewish politicians (Mike Bloomberg) who openly support causes that are beneficial to their community worldwide is one of the main factors that bind Israel and US so closely.....One cannot overlook the fact that these people serve as "influencers" in US foreign policy..."

I disagree on two counts. We are not discussing the activities of a private businessman of Jewish, Chinese, French, German, or Togan heritage. We are discussing the appointment of a technocratic professional who's long been employed by the U.S. Government and his transfer from one agency to another subject to confirmation.

I strongly question, also, the foreign policy influence exerted by Mike Bloomberg or Bobby Jindal. They are elected representatives of constituents comprised of a broad range of religions, races, and ethnicities in NYC and the state of Louisiana. They provide, at best, only the most tenuous influence from those positions upon the foreign policy decisions rendered by our government.

Therefore your poor examples in defense of Kaali, Peshwa, provide little value against my assertion.

I tire of this and will be appreciative if Kaali, and by extension now you, would cease what I believe is trollish behavior and dissembling insinuation with respect to Dr. Shah's nomination.

We are a multi-ethnic nation. Most close and strong linkages to past nationalities erode quickly under the new realities of America-within a generation or two at most. We celebrate the diversity of our separate heritages but it stops where the daily responsibilities of our shared futures lie.

Thanks.

 

[S-2]

"The fact is they are Americans and work for America."

I believe this to be true-if not for those who immigrate here then almost certainly for their next generation. I lived with a cantonese girl born in Hong Kong but who immigrated here at age six with her family. Mother and father were trapped in the past for a variety of reasons. So too eldest brother. The other three children were firmly American and had no relation to Hong Kong, PRC, or Taiwan other than enjoying the food and Mah Jong.

There are better examples...and worse examples but few modern nations have had more experience with the process of assimilation on a broad scale than ourselves in the United States. In fact, I can think of none today.

 

[PostColonial]

Did someone mention Bobby Jindal

Have you heard him talk about his "Indian Origins"? I have. Trust me, the guy is nowhere near the patriotic Indian that you are imagining him to be. His Indian origins are in the same league as the English origins of Hillary Clinton. Just an interesting fact, and a way to explain your brown skin.

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

Even though he would work for the US gov but the media in Pakistan would not miss an opportunity to cultivate the hate among ordinary people through the fact that Hes off Indian Origin and would have a soft corner for our long Rival India .... Here we go again ...
Belive me it will be a big story for them and boy it will get huge hype just like the one which said " America is going to take out Pakistani Nukes with the help of its speciall forces "....

 

[sathruvinasakh]

"S2....It is a known fact that the strong presence of Jewish businessman who fund political campaigns, jewish politicians (Mike Bloomberg) who openly support causes that are beneficial to their community worldwide is one of the main factors that bind Israel and US so closely.....One cannot overlook the fact that these people serve as "influencers" in US foreign policy..."

I disagree on two counts. We are not discussing the activities of a private businessman of Jewish, Chinese, French, German, or Togan heritage. We are discussing the appointment of a technocratic professional who's long been employed by the U.S. Government and his transfer from one agency to another subject to confirmation.

I strongly question, also, the foreign policy influence exerted by Mike Bloomberg or Bobby Jindal. They are elected representatives of constituents comprised of a broad range of religions, races, and ethnicities in NYC and the state of Louisiana. They provide, at best, only the most tenuous influence from those positions upon the foreign policy decisions rendered by our government.

Therefore your poor examples in defense of Kaali, Peshwa, provide little value against my assertion.

I tire of this and will be appreciative if Kaali, and by extension now you, would cease what I believe is trollish behavior and dissembling insinuation with respect to Dr. Shah's nomination.

We are a multi-ethnic nation. Most close and strong linkages to past nationalities erode quickly under the new realities of America-within a generation or two at most. We celebrate the diversity of our separate heritages but it stops where the daily responsibilities of our shared futures lie.

Thanks.

One simple example to count on Indian influence in American foreign policy is Kerry Lugar bill.

Since the WOT began in 2001,US I guess is used to be anti-indian while supporting pakistan.Which ofcourse could be termed as a bush era which lack the indo-american bodies in the top bureaucratic boards.Since obama occupied the prez chair he levitated as many indo-americans to such top positions even included few in the law framing boards.It is not necessary to look at the fruits of the tree that was just planted.I guess the Indian lobby work is quietly presented in drafting all the pakistan related bills.

 

[S-2]

"Even though he would work for the US gov but the media in Pakistan would not miss an opportunity to cultivate the hate among ordinary people through the fact that Hes off Indian Origin and would have a soft corner for our long Rival India..."

The fact that you mention Dr. Shah has a "soft corner" indicates to me you've a pre-disposition to believe such yourself. My view? If he assumes the job of Director USAid his position FAAAAR exceeds your little and crowded corner of the world and that he'll be knee-deep in plenty of issues that have nada to do with India...or Pakistan.

So it comes down to you. Suggesting that the Pakistani media won't miss an opportunity to "cultivate the hate" speaks poorly of your journalists but it is to you, if you believe that, what else you'll believe from there.

The flip side? All that is speculation for now and it remains to be seen whether your media is as provocative as you imply-at least with this small matter.

Regardless, President Obama believes that Dr. Shah is the best man for the job and this appointment will stand on matters that will have little to do specifically with his origins or Pakistani-Indian enmity, IMV.

 

[S-2]

Trolling too, are you?

"Since the WOT began in 2001,US I guess is used to be anti-indian while supporting pakistan.Which ofcourse could be termed as a bush era which lack the indo-american bodies in the top bureaucratic boards."

Really? That evil Bush administration has simply held India in utter comtempt, have they?

India, U.S. Reach Landmark Nuclear Agreement- March 2, 2006

"Since obama occupied the prez chair he levitated as many indo-americans to such top positions even included few in the law framing boards."

Can you point to any indications where Obama's motivations behind any appointment has been to assure the overt influence of foreign governments within America's decision-making processes? Please provide specific names and the motivations behind each appointment to make your case or cease your trolling as well.

Don't be a needless fool. You've no case, provocateur. Our appointments to American responsibilities are solely motivated by serving the interests of America.