Afghanistan: Biden to release $500m for refugees

President Biden has promised to send in USD500 million in aid to Afghan refugees who are fleeing to nearby countries and being airlifted out of the country.

“It is important to the national interest to furnish assistance under the MRAA in an amount not to exceed $500 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs of refugees, victims of conflict, and other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan, including applicants for Special Immigrant Visas,” the statement released by the White House read.

“Such assistance may be provided on a bilateral or multilateral basis as appropriate, including through contributions to international organizations and through funding to other nongovernmental organizations, governments, and United States departments and agencies,” it went on.

The money will be sent through International organizations including charities that will help the Afghan refugees by providing food and shelter. It could also be given to foreign governments and government controlled agencies that provide shelter to the people.

This move comes right after President Biden while addressing the nation once again defended his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. He once again tried to push the blame on the Trump Administration, saying he extended the deadline given by his predecessor and this was the best time to leave.

Critics (which is probably all of the United States and the World) say it is not the withdrawal that is being criticized, but the handling of the situation and things that followed including the devastating situation at the airport. While addressing the nation Biden had made it clear that any attack on US personnel would be met with force if necessary.