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January 28, 2010

Aid Groups: Militarization of Aid Endangering Afghan Civilians
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Foreign ministers are also meeting in London today for an international
conference on Afghanistan. On the eve of the summit, a coalition of aid
groups issued a warning that the militarization of aid to Afghanistan is
endangering Afghan civilians. In a report titled “The Dangers of
Militarised Aid in Afghanistan,” Oxfam International and seven other aid
agencies warn the emphasis on rushed, short-term projects to win over
Afghan civilians fails to address Afghanistan’s deep poverty. Some of
the projects also wind up becoming major security risks as they’re
targeted by militant groups.



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