The Trump administration’s $60 billion cut to USAID funding has severely impacted humanitarian aid in the Middle East, with millions at risk. Countries like Iraq and Syria face halted essential services, while Gaza’s aid supplies are jeopardized. Economic support for Jordan is dwindling, and Yemen’s humanitarian crisis worsens due to these reductions. Calls to reassess these cuts grow urgent to prevent amplifying regional instability and suffering.
The repercussions of the Trump administration’s decision to significantly reduce aid funding, amounting to $60 billion in cuts and the cancellation of over 90 percent of contracts through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), have had severe impacts on vulnerable populations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have halted essential life-saving aid programs, resulting in dire humanitarian consequences. This decision came amidst the observance of Ramadan, heightening the plight of those in need.
An internal memo and legal filings indicated that the administration’s rationale was to eliminate waste and redirect USAID’s resources to serve American interests more efficiently. Critics of USAID, particularly among Republican lawmakers, perceive it as an agency that has been mismanaged and fosters a liberal agenda. Contrarily, advocates stress the need for USAID’s efforts, which constitute a mere fraction of the federal budget but provide crucial support worldwide.
The crisis began with President Trump signing an executive order on January 20, halting all foreign assistance for a 90-day review. Consequently, control of USAID shifted to the State Department, which faces ongoing legal challenges regarding these budget cuts. Nearly 6,000 USAID staff members were affected as their multi-year contracts, essential for continuous support in humanitarian efforts, were terminated.
In Iraq, where over a million people remain displaced since the conflict with Daesh, USAID’s funding was crucial for various projects aimed at rebuilding communities and providing essential services. The suspension of funding raises fears of exacerbating conditions that could lead to further instability and chaos.
Syria, too, faced significant setbacks as USAID constituted a key part of the humanitarian response during its prolonged civil conflict. The abrupt termination of contracts and assistance has resulted in halted operations and increased vulnerability among the Syrian population, with expectations that critical support will dry up.
In Gaza, where the population is heavily dependent on humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict, USAID’s withdrawal jeopardizes existing agreements critical for sustaining peace efforts and alleviating suffering. The landscape grew darker with the loss of aid personnel and funding channels, complicating an already sensitive situation.
Jordan, historically a benefactor of US aid, is witnessing the economic repercussions of funding cuts, which support businesses and government initiatives. The ripple effects threaten job security for numerous Jordanians, impacting various sectors reliant on USAID.
In Yemen, the anticipated worsening of an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis looms as USAID’s funding reductions severely compromise ongoing aid projects aimed at providing food and healthcare to half of the population. With the civil war ongoing, aid workers express deep concern about the implications for families dependent on external support.
The drastic cuts to USAID funding by the Trump administration have inflicted immediate and profound consequences across the MENA region, jeopardizing critical humanitarian aid to millions of vulnerable individuals. With the loss of support in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Jordan, and Yemen, the prospect of escalating crises is likely, particularly as basic needs are left unmet. Advocates for international assistance stress the urgent need to reconsider these austerity measures to avert further suffering and instability in these crucial areas.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
