But with other priorities, the United States can scarcely afford a stronger military presence in the region.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: African jihad

That long, forced walk was going to steal valuable time in my day, time I could scarcely afford.

FORBES: What to Do When You Have No Time to Think

The Iranian government can scarcely afford the subsidy, but raising the price of gasoline would potentially wreck the economy.

FORBES: Running Dry

Given America's other priorities, however, it can scarcely afford a stronger military presence in Africa -- a reality reveled in by militant Islamists.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Recolonizing Africa

But while he insists that educating people about how to plan for and respond to earthquakes is in some ways as important as improving buildings standards, he acknowledges that neither can be achieved without considerable financial outlay - something that a country like India can scarcely afford.

BBC: Can money stop an earthquake?