I agree with you Don H. that $35m is a mere pittance and I will be greatly disappointed if the US government does not help to a far greater extent than that number. I think and hope that that is a preliminary hard cash number.

I can't agree for a second that aid to any of the nations should factor in Al Qaida or Muslim ethnic sentiments. If you do go down that (self-interest) path, look where you end up: Right at that last GUEST post which claims that US government giving aid in significant amounts can only be a conniving attempt upstage the U.N. Good heavens. I enjoy being naïve and will work at staying that way.