Re-examining the Policies in the Humanitarian Aid Sector-A Call for Greater "value Rationality"

Abstract

Faith-based giving in the U.S. constitutes over one-third of all charity (Giving USA, 2013). The proliferation of policy initiatives that promoted faith-based giving and giving to humanitarian aid organizations post George W Bush's establishment of the Office of Faith-based initiatives and community Partnerships has been controversial, to say the least. But despite this, the sector has been robust. One segment of philanthropy that has been unnecessarily controversial is that of Islamic charity. With the attacks of September 11, 2001, there were a slew of legislative as well as Executive reforms that put Islamic charities under the scanner. Executive Order 13224 and the subsequent initiatives under the PATRIOT Act have reduced donations to Islamic charities, in the initial year. In this short paper, I argue that some of the restrictive measures in place-that apply to NGOs working in conflict zones-should be removed, so aid can reach the beneficiaries, so that NGOs' offering this aid to not fear being targeted by U.S. law enforcement authorities. Given the massive refugee crisis we are witnessing, the role of Muslim NGOs in conflict zones may become crucial for long-term rehabilitation and resettlement.