Speakers
Nidal Betare
Co-founder and Managing Director, People Demand Change
Alaa Sayegh
Democracy Matters Initiative Advisory Group Member, Middle East Democracy Center; Fellow, Stanford Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law; Founder, Ryzomes Social Enterprise
Moderator
Arwa Shobaki
Managing Director, Middle East Democracy Center
About the Webinar
Billions of dollars in aid to the Middle East and North Africa have been put on hold as a result of the Trump administration’s abrupt freeze of all U.S. foreign assistance pending a 90-day review. While portions of the administration’s actions are currently under judicial review, it has become clear this is more than just a routine audit, and Republican party support for the administration’s cuts has put the future of U.S. humanitarian, development, and democracy assistance on very unsteady ground. This aid freeze has already directly impacted people in war-torn regions recovering from economic hardship and pushing back against authoritarian crackdowns. This will undoubtedly have further consequences, endangering the lives and future stability of many.
Arab Center Washington DC and the Middle East Democracy Center are bringing together a panel of experts to highlight the impact of these dramatic funding cuts across the MENA region, with a focus on health and humanitarian aid and development, human rights, and civil society support. The webinar panel will explore the real costs for both the people of the region and the United States.
Featured image credit: flickr/USAID/Morgana Wingard
