The United States and the Taliban are currently engaging in historic peace talks for the first time since the onset of the 2001 war in Afghanistan. Although these meetings were contingent on the reduction of US troops, a hiatus in killing US troops, and the release of prisoners from both the Taliban and the Afghan government, violence from the Taliban continues unabated. With the impending drawdown of United States troops from Afghanistan, there are fewer resources available for civil initiatives and humanitarian assistance. The continuation of strong ties between US forces and the surrounding Afghan community is crucial.

The ongoing peace talks further complicate relationships on the ground, placing US forces in a difficult position: they are limited in the assistance they can provide, while their Afghan partners and the communities they protect face daily losses. These communities are now more vulnerable than ever. Caught in the middle of ongoing fighting, they also lack basic needs and are more likely to turn to desperate measures, such as turning to extremists, to attain simple commodities, especially as the harsh Afghan winter closes in.

Basic winterization supplies for families living in poverty would go a long way in building community cohesion, resilience, and fidelity toward the Afghan government and US troops in the area. With your support, Spirit of America will provide 50 Afghan families with winter assistance kits that include cooking oil, rice, flour, and a warm winter blanket.