The Trump administration has cut $60 billion from foreign aid and 90% of USAID contracts, severely impacting vulnerable populations in the MENA region. Countries like Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Jordan, and Yemen face critical humanitarian crises as funding halts crucial services and programs, risking widespread instability during Ramadan.
The Trump administration’s decision to cut $60 billion in aid and eliminate 90% of USAID’s contracts is alarming, impacting millions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, now face halted lifesaving programs, with a significant loss of jobs and economic aid projects. The cuts coincide with the onset of Ramadan, further exacerbating the crisis.
USAID’s drastic funding reductions follow an internal memo claiming it would eliminate waste and better align with U.S. interests. Republican lawmakers criticize the agency for wastefulness, while its supporters emphasize its role in providing critical assistance globally. The cuts began after Trump’s executive order initiated a review period for foreign assistance, which has resulted in layoffs and halted humanitarian projects.
In Iraq, over 1 million people remain displaced since the war with Daesh. USAID funding supported crucial services such as healthcare and food aid, totaling more than $220 million in 2023. The sudden stop of these funds threatens to reverse progress and plunge Iraq back into chaos, risking the return of extremist ideologies.
Syria, emerging from a long civil war, faced an opportunity for coordinated humanitarian efforts, but USAID funding cuts has put aid deliveries in jeopardy. Organizations, heavily reliant on the agency, now struggle to continue essential programs, with warnings that “people will die” as a result of funding withdrawal. Many projects have ground to a halt, leaving millions without necessary assistance.
Gaza’s humanitarian situation is critically compromised by USAID’s funding freeze, threatening the lives of over 2 million people reliant on aid. The agency had previously committed $230 million to support economic recovery in the region, but layoffs and contract terminations have stymied operations. Experts warn that the ceasefire agreed upon in January is at risk without continued aid.
In Jordan, where USAID funding accounted for 2% of the GDP, cuts have led to significant economic repercussions, with widespread job losses reported. A media company involved in projects promoting women’s employment faced losses due to frozen funds. The impact of these cutbacks disrupts many sectors and threatens overall stability in Jordan.
Yemen, amid a devastating humanitarian crisis where half the population requires assistance, is particularly vulnerable to the funding cuts. With U.S. aid significantly contributing to humanitarian efforts, ongoing projects to provide food and healthcare are at a standstill. The timing of these reductions coincides with Ramadan, intensifying the dire circumstances for families across the country.
The Trump administration’s substantial cuts to USAID have created a humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and North Africa, with millions affected by halted aid and job losses. Countries like Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Jordan, and Yemen face worsening conditions, jeopardizing stability and escalating suffering. The cuts challenge long-term development and humanitarian efforts, raising significant concerns about future stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
