The "Militarization" of Afghan Aid

[G_j]

http://www.care2.com/causes/human-rights/blog/the-militarization-of-afghan-aid/

The "Militarization" of Afghan Aid

The U.N. has come out to criticize NATO for the "militarization of humanitarian aid" in Afghanistan, and declined to participate in the military's strategy for rebuilding Marja in southern Afghanistan.

NATO's plan in Marja is to deliver governmental services such as education, health care and job programs. However, U.N. officials argue that it is not the job of the military to distribute services; rather they should focus on providing security and let humanitarian organizations distribute aid.

Last month, Oxfam issued a report decrying the military's role in providing Afghan aid, arguing, "Military-led humanitarian and development activities are driven by donors' political interests and short-term security objectives and are often ineffective, wasteful and potentially harmful to Afghans." The report explains that pressure to show results leads to quick-fix solutions, rather than lasting solutions that address the underlying causes of poverty and instability. In addition, local communities are distrustful of the military, causing organizations to worry that soon locals will assume all aid workers are part of the military.

Afghanistan's citizens need to be involved in the reconstruction of the nation. The military represents a foreign power, alienating local communities. While foreign humanitarian organizations also hold First World privilege, they are not being driven by outside pressures to create quick results. It should be left to these organizations to work alongside local organizations and citizens to rebuild Afghanistan.