Women, youths and the poor are collapsing in Afghanistan, one year after Taliban control.
Women, youths and the poor are collapsing in Afghanistan, and millions of Afghan immigrants and refugees may soon be poured into the wider world, said former president of Afghanistan, Dr. Ashraf Ghani.
Also, over 80% of the foreign aid meant for the people and Government of Afghanistan, ended in the pockets of US contractors. The former president pointed out the billions of dollars usually widely reported to be earmarked for the development of Afghanistan were often channeled through contractors and various agencies.
Speaking to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, the former Afghan president said the problem of Afghanistan is far from over. To avert an immigration crisis, a more concerted global approach is still required.
For now and the foreseeable future, “women, youths and the poor with continue to bear the brunt of the suffering in Afghanistan.”
Foreign dollars to developing countries and corruption
The corruption and flawed chain in foreign aid to Haiti, Afghanistan and many other developing countries have been well documented.
Critics of programs that aim to boost economies, increase education and otherwise give poorer nations a leg up often say such aid is wasted through corruption and poor design.
The former head of the U.S. Agency for International Development Raj Shah wrote recently that such concerns about fraud and theft are way behind the times. But he agreed that, “most U.S. foreign assistance no longer even goes to foreign governments. It is given to U.S. companies and nonprofits in the form of contracts and grants; these organizations then implement projects in other countries, employing a combination of American and foreign staff members and often partnering with institutions of civil society.”
What happened to the $169 million cash in Ghani’s flight helicopter?
On the the $169 million cash Ashraf Ghani was alleged to have flown out with in his escape transport, he said it was all Russian propaganda.
“It’s impossible to fit in much cash in a helicopter. I’ve never amassed wealth for myself. In fact, I left over $9 billion dollars in reserves in Afghanistan,” Ashraf Ghani stated.
The troops’ withdrawal led to the Taliban regaining full control of the country, resulting in thousands of Afghan citizens desperately fleeing the country in fear. The country is plagued with high unemployment rates, soaring food insecurity and setbacks for women seeking an education.
Ghani, who fled the country amid the chaos, told Zakaria that he hopes to return to Afghanistan in the near future.
“I want to be able to help my country heal,” Ghani said. “And I hope to be able to do that from the place that every cell of my body belongs and without which I always feel alien.”
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