Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Experts: $1 Billion Cut in US Aid to Afghanistan Will Have Serious
Implications

Niala Mohammad

   WASHINGTON - While the government of President Ashraf Ghani downplays
   the repercussions of a potential $1 billion cut in U.S. aid to
   Afghanistan, ordinary Afghans and experts warn the country is not in a
   position to withstand such a financial blow as it struggles with
   ongoing political instability that threatens the country's peace
   process and growing fears of a COVID-19 outbreak.

   "A $1 billion cut in U.S. aid would be a significant blow to the
   country. Afghanistan's GDP is only about $20 billion per year, and much
   of that comes from international donations," Johnathan Schroden, an
   expert on Afghanistan and director of Stability and Development Program
   at Washington-based think tank Center for Naval Analysis (CAN), told
   VOA.

   "Secretary Pompeo has made clear that the U.S. would prioritize
   continued support to Afghanistan's security forces, but U.S.
   civilian-sector assistance to Afghanistan is about $500 million this
   year, so even if they zeroed that out, to reach $1 billion would still
   require a $500 million cut to military aid," Schroden said.

   He said if the U.S. cuts aid to Afghanistan, its NATO allies will
   likely follow suit, creating a compounding effect.

   U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a surprise visit to
   Afghanistan this week to help resolve the political impasse between
   President Ghani and his election rival and former chief executive
   officer, Abdullah Abdullah. Both declared themselves winners in the
   contested presidential election last year.

   Pompeo expressed U.S. disappointment over the failure of the leaders to
   form a government.

   "The United States is disappointed in them and what their conduct means
   for Afghanistan and our shared interests," Pompeo said in a strongly
   worded statement after his departure from Kabul.

   "Their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonors
   those Afghan, American and coalition partners who have sacrificed their
   lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this
   country," he said.

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