Aid to Egypt and others.

The Virginian Pilot reports today that besides the $ 1.5 billion (The figure has also been reported as $ 1 billion and $ 1.3 billion.  Every time I read a report of this nature the figure seems to increase.  I wonder how much we really give Egypt; I am not sure I can believe what my government tells me about the amount) we give Egypt, other middle east countries give more.  Qatar gives $ 8 billion. Saudi Arabia gives $ 5 billion. Kuwait gives $ 4 billion.  The United Arab Emirates gives $ 3 billion.  These figures come from the AP.  First thought; if Egypt's neighbors are ponying up $ 20 billion a year, why do we need to add another $ 1.5? Second thought; I wonder how much of the aid middle east neighbors are giving actually is coming from us thru our aid to them?

Any while all this money is flowing down a "rat-hole", citizens in major US cities are going without, roads and schools are being ignored and millions of Americans do not have health insurance.