Be careful about what you call an NGO

by Marc-André from Apathy is Boring — September 3, 2010


[Pakistan Flood 2 by Jacob Freeze on Flickr]

More than 20 million Pakistani victims of the floods since the end of July benefit from humanitarian aid from governments (Canada has already donated $32 million), non-governmental organizations and… terrorist groups. Organizations like Falah-e-Insaniat and Sipah-e-Sahaba provide food, clothing, tents, medication, health services, and cash to families affected by the disaster. But those organizations are closely or remotely related to terrorist activities.

Their goal is clear. These organizations want to become better known amongst the population to gain sympathy, recruit new members, and to impose themselves as an alternative to the Pakistani government that is being criticized by the victims for its inefficiency. The Taliban in Pakistan even asked the government to reject American help, stating that they can themselves provide that help and more.

NGOs work mainly to make up with government’s deficiencies. However, what a few organizations - those accused of extremism - really want is to subtly take over the government. For them, natural disasters are contests to show the people who is the best. So, can we really consider them as NGOs?

 

 

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