White House Names Foreign Aid Chief

JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration nominated a young former executive with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to run the nation's top foreign assistance program Tuesday, ending months of speculation and complaints about who would take the vacant post.

Rajiv Shah, a medical doctor who currently holds a senior position at the Agriculture Department dealing with food security, will bring "fresh ideas" and an "impressive background" to the U.S. Agency for International Development, President Barack Obama said in a statement announcing the nomination.

Shah's selection, which must still be confirmed by the Senate, would end a 10-month leadership vacuum at USAID, which has been operating with an acting director since Obama took office despite his campaign pledges to have the agency play a greater role in foreign policy.

Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have said USAID is crucial to deploying their preferred "smart power" foreign policy strategy, which envisions more equal roles for diplomacy and development alongside defense. They plan to double the amount of foreign aid.

The agency will play a key role in the administration's efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where officials believe the civilian component must be strengthened.