Should I Give to People in Corrupt Countries?

I just ran across this article in the NY Times article which I think is a great encouragement for anyone who has doubted the effectiveness of aid programs. It shows how a small gift (goat) can be turned into a life changing difference for not just one person (US college education), but the entire village as well (a native, well-trained professional to improve governance).

As I read it I couldn’t help but be reminded of the following simply axiom:

If you give, something could go wrong.
If you don’t give, there will be no chance that something might go right.

Really just a simplification/restatement of the Givers Dilema.

(P.S. Another day I’ll address the misnomer of “Corrupt Countries”)