Rising costs, especially Social Security commitments as the baby-boomer generations retire, will require structural fiscal reform, though.

FORBES: Roubini On US Downgrade: Bond Market Revolt Won't Happen

These initiatives will also help us implement the commitments we made at Copenhagen, especially as we work toward the climate conference in Cancun later this year.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Calder��n Press Availability | The White House

The shift in emphasis seems to be because there is simply not much money around, especially as some donors want to see more progress with the peace process before making major financial commitments.

BBC: G L Peiris, left, and Anton Balasingham