** Yazidi Community Faces Aid Freeze, Feelings of Betrayal Surface **

** The Yazidi community in Iraq is experiencing a significant freeze in aid, sparking feelings of abandonment a decade after suffering genocide at the hands of Islamic State militants. According to activists and former USAID employees, critical projects aimed at restoring basic infrastructure, including water, electricity, and healthcare, have stalled, negatively impacting the returning population from refugee camps.

During the first Trump administration, promises of substantial support were made to religious minorities, particularly the Yazidis. However, under the second term, key supporters of these initiatives have reportedly aligned with efforts to cut funding, which has led to a cessation of humanitarian assistance. Mirza Dinnayi, a Yazidi human rights activist, emphasized that USAID was crucial for stabilization efforts in the region, expressing shock at the funding freeze.

As a result, charities like Catholic Relief Services are facing substantial layoffs and program shutdowns. The situation reflects a broader shift in policy and perspective toward foreign aid, raising concerns about the future of support for vulnerable communities in Iraq, as noted by individuals familiar with the current political climate.

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