Afghanistan needs civilian aid
The US is wasting billions of dollars that would be better spent on reconstruction
The American House of Representatives has voted in favour of $37 billion (Dh136 billion) in new funding for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, despite official administration claims that both engagements will draw to a close in the foreseeable future. It is sad that these huge resources are being allocated for military purposes, rather than rebuilding the shattered nations. It is a waste of money that could be much better spent.
The sorry tale of American spending in Iraq has included a colossal proportion wasted on private security companies carrying out semi-military functions, such as the corrupt Blackwater Corporation (now called Xe Services), with a shockingly small proportion being spent on essential infrastructure and services such as schools and hospitals.
The same miserable pattern is being repeated in Afghanistan, but the truth is that the country needs an economic and social boost far more than it needs Nato to support its government. The soldiers will leave in time, but the infrastructure would stay and have a long-lasting effect, reducing the need for huge foreign or Afghan security forces as growing prosperity started to have its natural effect. Congress should insist that over half of the new funding is spent on civilian aid.
