How does this work?

This, from Al Jazeera today:

"The United States has historically been the world's largest donor to nations in need, but last week let it be known it would accept help from a variety of nations."

Of course, I understand the impulse of nations around the world to help the people affected by Katrina. That makes perfect sense. What makes less sense is the notion that the US *needs* their help. We may need their good will and their prayers, but we should *not* need their financial help.

Should we?