With a food shortage threatening to create widespread famine, Western countries face a tough choice as sanctions exacerbate the problem.
Tag Archives: Humanitarian Aid
‘We Have Nothing’: Afghan Quake Survivors Despair Over Recovery
With the economy in ruins and aid in short supply, survivors of the earthquake in this remote stretch of eastern Afghanistan wonder what their next move could be.
Relief Efforts Intensify in Afghanistan After Devastating Earthquake
Aid has been streaming into the rugged regions hit by the quake on Wednesday. Hundreds were killed and many more are missing, with officials saying that they do not expect to find more survivors.
‘We Have Not Forgotten Syria’: U.S. Envoy Vows to Protect Refugees
After 11 years of war, Syria has become a cautionary example of what can happen in a conflict with no end in sight, like the one that began 100 days ago in Ukraine.
Why China Is Miles Ahead in a Pacific Race for Influence
To many observers, the South Pacific today reveals what American decline looks like. Even as Washington tries to step up its game, it is still far behind, mistaking speeches for impact and interest for influence.
Even as Russia Bears Down in the East, Some Ukrainians Stay Behind
The Russian offensive grinds on, but not everyone is leaving the eastern Donbas region.
Diplomats Fear Russia May Use Syrian Aid as Bargaining Chip in Ukraine
Countries in Europe and the Middle East could see a new surge in refugees if Russia shuts down the last humanitarian convoy route into Syria.
On Ukraine, McConnell Tries to Show the World This Isn’t Trump’s G.O.P.
The top Senate Republican traveled to Europe in a bid to show that isolationism hasn’t taken over his party. He has privately lobbied his colleagues to vote that way, and so far, most are.
Rand Paul holds up $40 billion in aid for Ukraine.
Mr. Paul had sought to alter the bill to include requiring that an inspector general monitor the spending.
House Poised to Pass Nearly $40 Billion Ukraine Aid Package
As lawmakers have embraced more than $50 billion to Kyiv within two months, they have largely refrained from raising concerns or questioning the Biden administration’s strategy.
Sisters Recount Escape From Mariupol as Russians Closed In
The women say they were forced onto a bus to Russian-controlled territory, then escaped what Ukrainian and U.S. officials have described as “filtration” centers for a system of forced expulsions to Russia.
In a Ukrainian School, 12 People Await the War’s End, or Their Own
In the basement of a battered school in Kharkiv, a dozen residents have taken shelter. In a neighborhood not far away, life has returned to some sense of normalcy. But they choose to stay.
Afghan Restaurateurs Provide Hope to Refugees Fleeing the Taliban
In Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., established Afghan restaurateurs are reaching out to help refugees fleeing the return of the Taliban.
Don’t Just Freeze Russia’s Money. Seize It.
It’s the only way to signal that the United States is committed to making even the world’s most powerful states pay for their war crimes.
‘This Is True Barbarity’: Life and Death Under Russian Occupation
The town of Trostyanets was occupied by Russian forces for a month before the Ukrainian military liberated it. Residents described weeks of hunger and horror.
Putin Knows What He’s Doing With Ukraine’s Refugees. This Is the World’s Big Test.
The response to Ukrainian refugees is a test of European solidarity.
Learning From Our Mistakes With Covid
Responses to a column by Zeynep Tufekci about missteps and the lives lost as a result. Also: What Trump didn’t say before Jan. 6; an airlift for Ukraine.
Afghan Refugees in U.K. Still in Limbo as Ukrainians Arrive
Some 12,000 Afghans who fled to Britain have been living in hotels for months awaiting permanent housing. This has raised questions about the country’s ability to take in many more escaping Ukraine.
Biden Calls Putin a Butcher After Meeting With Ukraine Refugees
His comment came as he visited a stadium in Warsaw where the Polish authorities are assisting the waves of people who are fleeing Ukraine.
Congress Needs to Fund the Fight Against Covid-19
The pandemic isn’t over yet, but Congress seems to have lost interest in funding public health efforts against Covid.
Ukraine’s Diaspora
More than three million Ukrainians have fled their country. See who they are.
Ukraine’s Refugees Are Fleeing Brutality. Let Them In.
Readers urge actions to address the refugee and food crises caused by the Ukraine war. Also: Russian soldiers; essential workers; prison time; donating ties.
Fighting Rages in Mariupol, as Russian Forces Make Gains
Ukraine said it had temporarily lost contact with officials in the strategic port city, while Russia hammered military targets around the country.
What Is Our Moral Obligation in Ukraine?
The U.S. should supply aid to Ukraine. But we must be more consistent in determining who deserves humanitarian intervention.
Biden Offers Protected Status to Afghans Already in the United States
The program does not provide a path to a green card or citizenship, which many advocates say is warranted for Afghans who risked their lives to assist U.S. forces.
The U.S. Has Made Big Climate Promises. Where’s the Money?
The latest spending bill in Congress contains far less money to help developing countries than President Biden had pledged. That fits a pattern.
Democrats Strip Covid Aid From $1.5 Trillion Spending Package
Facing disputes over how to cover the cost of the pandemic response effort, Democrats dropped it rather than jeopardize legislation that includes aid for Ukraine and other top priorities.
House Poised to Approve $13.6 Billion in Emergency Aid for Ukraine
Bipartisan backing for the assistance provided momentum for a broader, $1.5 trillion measure to fund the government through September.
Poles Welcome Ukrainian Refugees, Unlike in Last Border Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of Polish families have opened their homes to refugees from Ukraine, a sharp contrast to the country’s response to a different crisis last fall at the border with Belarus.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens for Ukrainians Trapped in Russia’s Onslaught
Two weeks after the invasion began, tens of thousands of Ukrainians are without food, water or power. The Russians are increasingly resorting to indiscriminate shelling to help their forces advance.
Jewish New Yorkers Unite to Raise Millions for Ukraine
New York City is home to some 300,000 Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
White House Requests $32.5 Billion for Pandemic and Ukraine Aid
The emergency spending would support the federal response to the coronavirus and provide military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Russian Invaders, and Ukraine’s Civilian Toll
Readers praise the heroism of the Ukrainian people but worry about damage to civilian infrastructure and the need for humanitarian aid.
Russia’s War in Ukraine Is a Moral, Not Just Military, Crisis
All possible outcomes involve sacrifice and suffering on a huge scale.
For Ukraine’s Refugees, Europe Opens Doors That Were Shut to Others
Thousands of Ukrainians will end up in countries led by nationalist governments that have been reluctant to welcome refugees in the past.
As Russia Moves Into Ukraine, What Comes Next?
Readers respond to developments in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Also: A farewell to Jane Brody; the overlooked translator; a tribute to truckers.
If Joe Biden Doesn’t Change Course, This Will Be His Worst Failure
“The current humanitarian crisis could kill far more Afghans than the past 20 years of war.”
Gail Halvorsen, ‘Candy Bomber’ in Berlin Airlift, Dies at 101
Lieutenant Halvorsen came up with the idea to drop candies, chocolate and chewing gum for the children of West Berlin during a tense Cold War standoff.
Biden’s Decision on Frozen Funds Stokes Anger Among Afghans
“It is a cruel act and a betrayal,” one shopkeeper said of the White House’s move to essentially seize funds held by the Afghan central bank.
Tonga Is Receiving ‘Contactless’ Aid. There are Pros and Cons.
Covid-era travel restrictions have mostly prevented expatriate aid workers from flying into Pacific island nations after natural disasters. The results are mixed.
Afghanistan’s Health Care System Is Collapsing Under Stress
Hospitals and clinics are struggling to hold up amid a cash shortage and a vast surge of malnutrition and disease. By one estimate, 90 percent may close in the next few months.
More Than a Million Afghans Flee as Economy Collapses
Thousands of Afghans are trying to sneak into Iran and Pakistan each day, as incomes have dried up and life-threatening hunger has become widespread.
Myanmar Is Mired in Conflict and Chaos a Year After a Coup
Daily protests, once loud and colorful, have been replaced by an eerie quiet. To mark the anniversary of the military takeover, protest leaders have called for a “silent strike.”
Ash From Tonga Volcanic Eruption Still Poses a Threat
Ash from a volcanic eruption in the South Pacific nation presents risks to drinking water and air quality, experts say. Quantifying them in real time is a challenge.
Stay or Go? For Myanmar’s Latest Wave of Refugees, There’s No Good Choice.
Hundreds of thousands who fled deadly unrest at home confront an uncertain future abroad. Yet for many who remained, conditions are dire.
U.S. Eases Pressure of Sanctions on Afghanistan
The Treasury Department issued new “general licenses” to help aid flow as a humanitarian crisis deepens.
How to Help Victims of the Tornadoes
Here’s how to pitch in as local and national volunteers and aid groups mobilize to help hard-hit areas.
Taliban and 9/11 Families Fight for Billions in Frozen Afghan Funds
The White House must figure out what to do with the Afghan central bank’s account at the Federal Reserve, now frozen under U.S. law.
Afghan Economy Nears Collapse as Pressure Builds to Ease U.S. Sanctions
Afghanistan’s economy has crashed since the Taliban seized power, plunging the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Greece to Put Aid Workers Who Helped Migrants on Trial on Espionage Charges
The country’s conservative government is toughening its stance on migration and on groups working with migrants, aligning itself with a hardening climate across Europe.