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As Congress ends its consideration of the $87 billion supplemental appropriations bill for operations and assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan, many questions remain. Iraq is a nation with rich natural and human resources, but its most profitable sectors have been devastated by Saddam’s long rule, sanctions, and the grip of a small core of Baathist oligarchs. Afghanistan remains a significant military, economic, and political challenge. In the wake of deliberations over the supplemental and the run-up to the international donors’ conference in Madrid, the Bush administration continues to argue the case for substantial U.S. engagement.

Andrew Natsios, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will review assistance programs to both Iraq and Afghanistan and assess hopes for the donors’ conference in Madrid.