The Impact of U.S. Aid Cuts to Afghanistan

Foreign aid, especially financial assistance from the United States, has played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s development over the past two decades. Following the collapse of the previous government in 2021 and the establishment of the interim government in Afghanistan, foreign aid to the country significantly declined. However, the United States remained the largest donor, providing the majority of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. With the inauguration of Donald Trump as the new U.S. president and his executive order to halt all foreign aid, Afghanistan, as one of the recipient countries, has been affected. The most immediate and evident impact has been the depreciation of the Afghan currency against foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar. Therefore, the aid cuts will have profound effects on Afghanistan’s economic, social, and humanitarian situation.

Due to its ongoing economic crisis and widespread poverty, Afghanistan is highly dependent on foreign aid. Currently, more than two-thirds of the country’s population is in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, which is delivered through donor-funded projects implemented by aid organizations and NGOs. The cessation of humanitarian aid, which previously amounted to at least $40 million per week, will have devastating consequences on people’s livelihoods.

The health and education sectors in Afghanistan are heavily reliant on foreign aid. International organizations that previously provided essential medical and educational services are now reducing their operations due to budget cuts and worsening security conditions. The Afghan Ministry of Economy has officially announced that around 50 international organizations engaged in humanitarian assistance have ceased their activities due to funding shortages. As a result, many clinics and hospitals are expected to shut down or face severe shortages of medicine and medical supplies. Similarly, the country’s education system may also suffer from a decline in quality due to the lack of foreign support.

Another anticipated consequence is the escalation of the humanitarian crisis and food insecurity. According to UN reports, more than half of Afghanistan’s population faces severe food shortages. The termination of financial aid and humanitarian assistance will lead to increased hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children. The scarcity of food supplies and rising prices will further deteriorate the living conditions of poor families, forcing many people to migrate either internally or internationally—an ongoing trend.

The weakening of women’s role in society is another critical issue that will undoubtedly worsen due to the aid cuts. One of the major impacts of the U.S. aid suspension is the disruption of programs supporting women’s rights, education, and employment opportunities. The shutdown of organizations advocating for women’s rights, along with new restrictions imposed on women, has significantly reduced or even eliminated their job and educational opportunities. Women who were previously active in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and business, are now facing increasing obstacles.

Furthermore, a rise in migration and social instability can also be expected. With shrinking job opportunities and a deteriorating economy, many Afghans have either attempted or are planning to leave the country. The new wave of migration is driven both by economic hardship and uncertainty about the future. Additionally, social instability caused by poverty and unemployment may lead to increased crime rates and insecurity.

In conclusion, the U.S. aid cuts to Afghanistan will have far-reaching consequences on the country’s economic, social, and humanitarian conditions. While some argue that foreign aid fostered Afghanistan’s dependency, it is undeniable that these funds played a crucial role in improving the lives of millions of Afghans. To mitigate the negative effects of this situation, international cooperation—particularly in the fields of humanitarian aid and sustainable development—is essential.

Recognizing that Afghanistan could face even deeper economic and political crises in the absence of global financial support, especially from the U.S., it is imperative for the interim government to adopt strategies that prevent the country from plunging into yet another catastrophe.