The treasury points to the example of Ghana, which only last year completed its first democratic transfer of presidential power to an opposition party: better governance is meant to be one of the principal tests of suitability for American aid.

ECONOMIST: The education of Paul O'Neill | The

"These were scientific tests to assess the suitability of women to join regiments they are currently excluded from, " she told BBC News Online.

BBC: Row over frontline women troops

The tests were about determining the overall suitability for a role.

BBC: Row over frontline women troops