TheTrump administration’s reduction of USAID funding has led to a humanitarian crisis in the MENA region, impacting millions reliant on aid. Key countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have halted vital programs, risking lives and economic stability. Projects essential for health, food security, and economic development have ceased, jeopardizing peace and exacerbating socio-political instability across the region.
The decision by the Trump administration to drastically cut foreign aid, eliminating $60 billion and over 90 percent of USAID contracts, has severely impacted vulnerable populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen now face halted lifesaving aid programs, exacerbating humanitarian crises. As Ramadan approached, many development projects have also come to a standstill, jeopardizing livelihoods and essential services.
This sweeping aid reduction stems from an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at reviewing administration practices and eliminating perceived waste. Critics argue that these cuts will stifle essential humanitarian operations, while supporters maintain that USAID plays a crucial role in American diplomatic and soft power efforts. The consequences of these cuts have led to job losses and halted projects in countries that are heavily reliant on USAID support.
In Iraq, where over a million people remain displaced, USAID funding has been pivotal in addressing critical needs since the war against Daesh. The cancelation of contracts means vital services such as healthcare, food aid, and economic support have ended, threatening to destabilize the region further. Observers express concern that the lack of assistance could reignite extremist ideologies in a nation already beset by conflict.
In Syria, the halting of USAID support means a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance for over 16 million individuals needing aid. The blanket termination of contracts has left NGOs struggling to continue operations, with many essential projects grinding to a halt. Reports indicate that lives will undoubtedly be jeopardized due to this withdrawal of funding.
The freeze on USAID funding also threatens assistance for 2 million people in Gaza, who are heavily reliant on humanitarian aid amidst ongoing conflict. Former officials warn that the absence of aid could compromise efforts to maintain peace in the region, as local organizations have terminated contracts, leading to severe repercussions for food and medical supplies.
Jordan, a stable ally of the US, has also been impacted as USAID funding constitutes over 2 percent of its gross domestic product. The cuts have resulted in job losses across various sectors, with many organizations feeling the financial strain. As businesses struggle to adapt, the cut in funding disrupts long-term development plans essential for Jordan’s economic stability.
Yemen faces one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with half the population needing assistance. USAID cuts pose a significant threat to critical programs that provide food, healthcare, and sanitation. The cessation of aid during a crucial period such as Ramadan raises fears about the humanitarian fallout affecting millions of Yemenis who are already at risk of starvation and disease.
The abrupt cessation of USAID funding has far-reaching implications across the Middle East and North Africa, affecting millions reliant on foreign aid. The cuts, designed to realign US foreign assistance with national interests, have severely disrupted vital services in countries besieged by conflict such as Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Jordan, and Yemen. Immediate humanitarian repercussions promise to further complicate already fragile social and political landscapes, calling for urgent responses to mitigate worsening conditions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
