Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Ministry of Economy stressed that humanitarian aid should not be used as a political pressure tool against Afghanistan.
Tim Burchett, Vice Chair of US Congress’ Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced a bill to ensure that US taxpayers’ money does not fall into the hands of the Islamic Emirate.
The Vice Chair of US Congress’ Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that the bill would require the US State Department to formulate a policy opposing any foreign aid to the Islamic Emirate.
After former US President Donald Trump criticized Joe Biden’s administration for sending billions in aid to Afghanistan, the White House responded, emphasizing that Washington’s humanitarian aid is sent not to the “Taliban” but to the Afghan people.
What does the bill include?
1) Forces the State Dept to develop and implement a policy to oppose any foreign aid from going to the “Taliban.”
2) Requires a report on any cash assistance programs in Afghanistan and how the US keeps the “Taliban” from gaining access.
3) Requires a report on the Afghan Fund and the Afghanistan central bank.
“They aim to implement economic policies through pressure. I don’t believe the Americans will disengage Afghanistan—a highly strategic and prominent point in South Asia—from such matters or their policies,” said Sayed Masood, an economic analyst.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy stressed that humanitarian aid should not be used as a political pressure tool against Afghanistan.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, said: “The suspension of humanitarian and economic aid by some individuals and countries is being used as a strategy of pressure. This act contradicts international law. We want the international community’s aid to the Afghan people to continue strongly.”
Some experts see US and global humanitarian aid as a critical necessity for reducing Afghanistan’s current humanitarian crises.
“The US and its regional allies provide around $1.2 billion annually in direct and indirect humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. This assistance, through cooperation with aid organizations in Afghanistan, saves the lives of many Afghan citizens in areas like health, economy, finance, and addressing physical challenges,” said Selab Samandari, an economic analyst.
Calls to cut US aid to Afghanistan come as various UN agencies, including OCHA, warn of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan this year. They have stated that 32% of the population will require urgent humanitarian assistance in 2025.