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Article: Jump-start for the East. (economic aid for Eastern Europe) (editorial)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- December 9, 1989
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1989 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Jump-start for the East
MOST of Eastern Europe has been running on adrenalin these past few months. Now, as the snow starts to fall and the days grow shorter, other things are needed: like food, jobs and electricity. The list is a reminder that, after all their political triumphs, East Europeans stand on the edge of economic disappointment. It is natural for outsiders to want to spare them that fate, but it is vital to avoid the kindness that kills. "Helping Eastern Europe" is a sentiment, not a policy.
The policy-making must start by recalling past failures. During the 1970s most East European countries got all the dollars they could have wished for ...