The United States announced an additional $20 million to help Pakistani flood victims on Tuesday amid growing concern over the political, economic and security ramifications of the disaster. The new aid brought to $55 million the amount of funds committed by Washington so far to flood relief efforts in Pakistan, along with U.S. military helicopters that have been airlifting survivors trapped by the worst floods in 80 years.

The deaths of ten humanitarian workers this week in a remote region of Afghanistan underscore the unique but silent work done by American citizens not serving in government or military.

The United States of America on Thursday announced it would spend $4.4 billion on the development of war torn Afghanistan with special emphasis on boosting agriculture sector before the start of the planned troop withdrawal.

Eager to show itself as an “all-weather friend” of Pakistan — a position currently held by China — and not just an ally in the ‘global war on terror’ (GWOT), the United States is making its presence felt in the international support extended to the strife-ravaged country as it battles the worst flood in this region in 80 years.

As the flood crisis in Pakistan's Swat Valley worsens, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are promising an extended mission to deal with the longer-term effects, the leaders of both organizations said Wednesday.

The devastating flood in Pakistan has create an opportunity for the U.S. government to show its commitment to the country and improve America's tattered image there, but that will be a tough slog, experts say.

The US government strategy for improving its struggling reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan relies heavily on spending more money. More on bigger and quicker projects, more on aid workers, and more on monitors – a "civilian surge" to win hearts and minds.

The United States military command for Africa (Africom) is gaining acceptance on the continent and is planning to increase its support for the African Union force in Somalia, the command's leader said last week.