Facing harsh realities, the global development community confronts another fraught year

EL PASO, Texas — On the U.S.-Mexico border, the dysfunctional politics of aid today are starkly apparent. Two Guatemalan children seeking asylum died in United States custody there over the past several days. Just this week, thousands of asylum-seeking, impoverished families with small children fleeing violence and disorder in Central America were unceremoniously dropped in front of bus stations by federal authorities.

Meanwhile, a new presidential policy directive is expected soon, codifying a key theme of this White House on aid: That it should be proffered in exchange for friendship and favor, and withheld for disobedience — especially for countries whose citizens are making their way to the U.S. border.