While Rajiv Shah's appointment to head USAID initially met with praise, more pessimistic voices are now piping up about what his appointment means for the future of the agency. Foreign Policy has a particularly good article, which suggests that the way in which Shah's role is structured could portend a significantly dismished role for USAID. FP editor Annie Lowrey notes that Shah may not receive the designation of deputy secretary of state, which means he would not report directly to Secretary Clinton. Instead, word is that Clinton wants him to report to Jack Lew, the deputy secretary of state for management and resources. Without a direct line to the Secretary, Shah's influence is likely to be severely hampered. Of course, closer ties with the Secretary could also signal that USAID will be further integrated into State, frustrating hopes that USAID may be restored as a truly independent agency.

Either way, the future of USAID certainly is hanging in the balance, with the State Department, the White House and Congress all undertaking reviews of the country's foreign assistance programs. Shah is one of the few development practitioners brave enough to step into a job with an unclear mandate and future. His job could turn out to be a disappointment - or a major opportunity.