Afghan officials concerned about effectiveness of foreign aid

WASHINGTON - Afghan government officials are concerned about the effectiveness of foreign aid as Congress considers a White House request for $11.8 billion in U.S. aid over the next two years.

Afghan officials want foreign assistance to be channeled through government institutions to ensure compliance with the country's national development strategy.

More than 70 percent of the aid provided to Afghanistan over the past five years was channeled through a multitude of U.N. agencies, international contractors and non-governmental organizations.