The recent closure of the U.S. State Department’s Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) has raised significant concerns regarding the future of Afghan resettlement policies and the United States’ commitment to its allies. Established in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, CARE was responsible for coordinating the relocation of Afghan nationals who had worked alongside American forces and were at risk due to their association with the U.S. military.
The decision to shut down CARE has been met with criticism and apprehension, as it underscores the precarious nature of the commitments made by the United States to its Afghan allies. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was marked by chaotic scenes at Kabul Airport, where thousands of Afghans sought to flee the country, fearing for their lives in the face of the Taliban’s return to power. Many of these individuals had worked in various capacities with U.S. forces, including interpreters, support staff, and contractors, often placing them in grave danger.
The closure of CARE raises questions about the future support and protection available to these vulnerable populations. With the office’s dissolution, the responsibility for Afghan resettlement efforts now falls more heavily on other governmental and non-governmental organisations. This shift could lead to delays in processing applications and a potential backlog in resettlement cases, further complicating an already challenging situation.
International observers have noted that the withdrawal and subsequent resettlement efforts have been fraught with difficulties. Many Afghans who applied for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or sought refuge through humanitarian parole programmes have faced lengthy wait times and bureaucratic hurdles. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where economic instability, food shortages, and a lack of basic services continue to plague the population.
The implications of CARE’s closure extend beyond the immediate logistical challenges faced by Afghan evacuees. It signals a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy and a potential withdrawal from commitments made to international allies. As the U.S. steps back from its role in Afghan resettlement, it raises concerns among global partners about the reliability of U.S. support in future crises. Countries that have historically relied on American backing may question whether the U.S. will fulfil its promises in similar situations going forward.
Moreover, the closure comes at a time when the international community is grappling with the fallout from the Taliban’s resurgence. Reports of human rights abuses, particularly against women and minorities, have emerged since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The plight of Afghan women, who once enjoyed greater freedoms and opportunities, has become a focal point for advocacy groups and human rights organisations worldwide.
In response to the evolving situation, many nations have expressed their commitment to assisting Afghan refugees, but the resettlement process remains complex. Countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have implemented programmes to welcome Afghan evacuees, but the scale of the crisis poses challenges for all involved. The United Nations has also called for increased international support to address the humanitarian needs of those still in Afghanistan, as well as those who have fled but require assistance in their new countries.
The U.S. government has faced mounting pressure from advocacy groups and lawmakers to ensure that Afghan allies receive the support they need. The closure of CARE may hinder these efforts and raise questions about the future of U.S. engagement in Afghan resettlement and humanitarian aid.
As the situation develops, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of Afghan refugees and those still at risk in Afghanistan. The fragility of commitments made to allies during times of crisis must be reinforced with tangible support and action. The world is watching closely as the U.S. navigates this complex landscape, and the outcomes of these decisions will have lasting implications for Afghan allies and U.S. foreign relations in the years to come.
