“The military sidelines humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan”

The war in Afghanistan has one of the lowest approval ratings ever. For things to change, more emphasis is needed on funding and allowing humanitarian organizations to do their jobs, said writer Kelley Vlahos.

Those organizations want to see more respect from the Obama administration and the military for them to operate in some of really difficult areas in Afghanistan that need reconstruction, food, water, and education.

Vlahos said she spoke to several people from non-governmental humanitarian organizations working in the region and they are saying “they’ve been sidelined by the military.”

“They are no longer able to come into some hardened areas because the military has, in its own effort to conduct reconstruction and relief, spread a lot of mistrust among the population,” she said.

When humanitarian groups try to go in there, she went on, they are confused with the military.