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Simply on the Side of Evil: The Trump-Musk Regime Cedes Ground to al-Qaida [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-03-17
The abrupt dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Trump administration is not merely a withdrawal from humanitarian commitments—it is a strategic forfeiture that emboldens extremist groups across vulnerable regions. This policy shift undermines decades of counterterrorism efforts, leaving communities exposed to radical influences and diminishing U.S. influence on the global stage. We already know that the Trump-Musk regime loves terrorists, evident by their pardons of violent January 6th insurrectionists, dismantling of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and enabling of the Netenyahu government to reignite the war in Gaza so the strip can be turned into a new Trump Hotel, but this is a new level.
Extremists Exploit the Void Left by USAID
In regions like northern Ivory Coast, the cessation of USAID programs has had immediate and perilous consequences.Communities that once benefited from U.S.-funded initiatives—such as job training, agricultural development, and infrastructure projects—now find themselves without support. This vacuum creates fertile ground for extremist organizations like al-Qaida and the Islamic State to exploit local grievances, recruit disenfranchised individuals, and expand their foothold.
Undermining Counterterrorism Partnerships
USAID has been instrumental in supporting the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), an interagency program aimed at bolstering the counterterrorism capacities of African nations. By providing resources for military training, community engagement, and economic development, USAID addressed the root causes of extremism. The termination of these programs weakens the ability of partner nations to combat terrorism effectively, potentially allowing extremist groups to operate with greater impunity.
Global Security Implications
The repercussions of USAID's shutdown extend beyond Africa. In the Horn of Africa, for instance, the freeze in funding jeopardizes food security, healthcare systems, and counterterrorism efforts, potentially leading to increased instability that extremist groups can exploit.
Erosion of U.S. Influence and Empowerment of Adversaries
The retreat from foreign aid diminishes U.S. soft power, ceding influence to adversarial nations like China and Russia.These countries are poised to fill the void left by the U.S., forging alliances and expanding their geopolitical reach. This shift not only alters the balance of power but also undermines global efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and stability—objectives that have been central to U.S. foreign policy for decades.
The dismantling of USAID represents a strategic misstep with far-reaching consequences. By withdrawing support from vulnerable regions, the U.S. inadvertently strengthens extremist groups, undermines global counterterrorism efforts, and diminishes its own influence on the world stage. To safeguard global security and uphold its leadership role, the United States must reconsider this policy and restore its commitment to international development and stability.
Please tell your Members of Congress to support humanitarian aid. You can find their name and phone number here .
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