How to combat violent extremism? Fight poverty

For people living in fragile states like Afghanistan, joining groups like the Taliban might well be one of their only options to provide for loved ones. Libyan intelligence chiefs, for example, say that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is building an "army of the poor" by offering upward of $1,000 in cash to those who join the radical group. For people living in countries where annual salaries equal a couple of hundred dollars, such economic incentives easily trump ideological barriers. While government employees in Afghanistan earn less than $2 a day, the Taliban pays equivalent of $10 to $20for a day of action.

Special Benefit Dinner on Behalf of Linking the World

“We are honored to support the great work of Linking the World, an organization with great leadership that works tirelessly to build resilient communities in areas of instability and conflict,” says Pete Haas, Managing Partner, AlliedBarton. “We know that our security is dependent upon proactive measures overseas, and that’s why we are today pledging an additional $10,000 of support.”

FPIF Does Providing Aid in War Zones Do More Harm Than Good?

By clandestinely rebranding aid from outside sources with its own labels, ISIS fools surrounding populations into believing the insurgent state is a benevolent entity that protects and cares for its people.

This poses a huge moral dilemma for those of us who work at humanitarian organizations: If we know the aid will likely be diverted, should we not try to help suffering people? If we stop the aid, many belligerents will use it as propaganda to blame the West for the area’s suffering and hunger. But if we provide aid, aren’t we abetting terrorist organizations?

Afghan women need the support of US forces now more than ever

Under Taliban reign, Afghanistan is the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman. Rape, infanticide and desperate poverty permeate their lives. Sadly, many feel trapped and choose to take their own lives rather than suffer. As a result, suicides — the majority of which are committed by women — outstrip the annual combat and homicide death tolls combined.

Women, Violent Extremism, The Hill, Poverty, Mina Chang, Foreign PolicyMina ChangFebruary 16, 2017afghanistan, women, Tal, Military, war, education

How Linking the World is changing the way NGOs approach aid delivery across the globe

Focused on breaking cycles of poverty by offering humanitarian aid, empowering communities and advancing empathy, Linking the World is not your average NGO. Their methods are unique: forward-thinking partnerships that maximize the effectiveness of both parties, and innovative programs designed to render their own company's presence obsolete.

"The old models that are created by charities and donors have put pressure on organizations to raise and spend money to ensure the continuation of projects. Many charities are funding these programs just to be sustained as organizations, with programs that are not really even needed or effective but are sexy to a donor,"

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