U.S. Foreign Aid Halted

US FOREIGN AID HALTED

The US has totally halted all foreign aid in order to re-evaluate it, except for military aid to Israel and Egypt and emergency food assistance. Sec. of State Marco Rubio said that the halt is “to ensure that our foreign policy is centered on one thing, and that is the advancement of our national interests,” defined as “anything that makes us stronger or safer or more prosperous,” a narrow definition to be sure.

Among the programs being halted is one that funds landmine clearance and removal of unexploded munitions around the world. This program has helped to revitalize agricultural fields in 125 countries since it began in 1993, among them Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. It has helped the world feed itself. It deserves to be continued, as do other programs that have been shut down, such as those for treating HIV and screening children for malnutrition. 

Source: The New York Times, 1/26