MEnbar is a podcast by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) that offers diverse insights and research-based discussions on policy relevant topics in the Middle East and North Africa region. Hosted by Marc Owen Jones.
Podcast Episode: USAID in MENA: A Requiem
In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones speaks with ME Council fellows Robert P. Beschel Jr. and Paul Dyer about their recent policy note, “USAID in MENA: A Requiem.” They explore the sudden dismantling of USAID operations under the Trump administration and its wide-ranging effects on humanitarian aid, economic development, and civil society in the MENA. Focusing on countries like Jordan, Egypt, Gaza, and Yemen, the discussion delves into the implications for U.S. soft power, local governance, and geopolitical competition, while also considering possible reforms and alternative aid frameworks amid the growing influence of other global and regional actors.