<
https://theconversation.com/in-afghanistan-families-are-forced-to-sell-children-to-survive-trumps-usaid-cuts-will-be-devastating-249713>
"The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is a
serious blow to the soft power of the United States and disastrous for many
poor countries where it helps provide humanitarian, health and educational
services.
One country whose citizens will bear the brunt of it is Afghanistan, under the
misogynistic and draconian rule of the Taliban.
According to United Nations reports, more than half of Afghanistan’s estimated
40 million population is dependent on international handouts for their
survival. Most of the remaining barely earn enough to exist.
USAID has played a critical part in alleviating the suffering of Afhghans since
the hasty retreat of the US and its allies from the country and the return of
the Taliban to power in mid-2021.
Since then, the United States has been the largest donor of humanitarian
assistance to Afghanistan, amounting to US$3.71 billion (A$5.8 billion),
channelled through UN agencies and other international organisations. USAID has
been responsible for delivering a large proportion of it.
The effects are already being felt. A major midwifery program has closed, while
“secret schools” for girls and the American University of Afghanistan has
suspended classes.
US aid, along with help from other donors, has also been critical in keeping
mass starvation at bay."
Via Joyce Donahue.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
