The bulk of the money and other aid pledged by donors has yet to reach Syria. Why?
The process of sending aid to Syria, particularly to members of the opposition, is plagued with problems,The Associated Press says. The lack of clear supply routes and ways to monitor aid are only some of the challenges that need to be addressed. Further, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, the United States and other donors have yet to identify who should receive aid,The Associated Press adds.
Among aid programs affected by these problems is the multimillion-dollar fund promised by Arab Gulf countries in a bid to encourage defections from the Syrian government. Delivery of the U.S. government’s pledge of $12 million in “nonlethal” aid to the Syrian opposition is also in question.The Associated Pressnotes it’s unclear “what goods are making their way into Syria and by what means.”
The humanitarian community faces similar challenges. The Syrian government has limited the number of aid agencies allowed into the country and even those with access have difficulties reaching communities hardest-hit by the conflict and crisis.
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