Humanitarian Aid and Corruption in Afghanistan

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Afghanistan, home to a population of roughly 30 million, has undergone some very harsh conditions. In a place that has witnessed horrific incidents due to Taliban invasions, constant warfare, and violence, Afghanistan may seem hopeless. People, particularly women and children, have been deprived of an education, and basic rights. As a result, there was a great plunge in the economy. Now, Afghanistan continues to struggle with the ruins of its land. Countries have teamed together and started to deliver aid in hopes to restore Afghanistan. The U.S. alone has sent over an estimated $100 billion in aid since 2002 (Seigel 1). However the essential question is: Is it worth it? Is it worth sending billions of dollars to a government that does not know how one-third of humanitarian aid has been spent since 2001 (Waldman 5)? Is it worth sending money when it has been confirmed that $1 billion of the $8 billion donated in the past year has been lost to corruption (Labelle 1)? Because of corruption, the United States should lower the amount of aid donated to Afghanistan and prevent waste and abuse. However, there is a possible downside to lowering aid distribution. On the contrary, if the U.S. reduces aid drastically decreases, Afghanistan may become dependent on the Taliban once again. Initially, the Taliban rose to power because they used the vulnerability of Afghanistan to their advantage after Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union. Afghanistan could go through a relapse and another Taliban Era if aid is no longer given. If the Taliban take control of Afghanistan again, which is very likely since the government already has Taliban officials, Afghanistan will suffer greatly and surrounding ... ... middle of paper ... ...13, the U.S. has spent about $54 billion funding security forces in Afghanistan and $92 billion on reconstruction, agriculture, and other development projects” (Labelle 2). If one third - approximately 49 billion - is lost to the hands of corruption, then why continue to give so much? The Taliban has bribed their way into high positions. Agencies have tried interventions that have failed due to the low literacy of Afghanistan's population. E zFurthermore, the Taliban pose security risks to any one who oppose their commands. "Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the government and the people must come together to achieve this national objective" (Pratibha Patel). Corruption is the root of Afghanistan's suffering. As of now, no amount of money can fix the hurt of this country; it is in the hands of its people.

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