I would add only that you can't trust the economists at the World Bank either. About the best thing that could come out of a debt write-off is a reorganization of the World Bank and IMF that would get them out of the lending for development business. The poorest countries in the world need trade relief more than debt relief. Yet if the Senate has its way with the African trade bill, an African weaver who wants to export garments to the United States will be required to buy his fabrics in America. Needless to say, African weavers will not soon be weaving fleece.
Debt relief does nothing for the United States and little for the poorest nations of the world.
Trade relief brings lower prices to U.S. consumers and it raises the average wage of U.S. workers. Most importantly, trade relief is the best way to raise the standard of living of the world's poorest and most destitute people. Sorry, silly question.