Afghanistan pledges $100k to Katrina efforts

Rediff ^ | 9/4/05 | Staff

[jriemer]

Afghanistan's government has pledged to give $100,000 to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, The United States embassy said on Sunday.

President Hamid Karzai made the pledge in a letter sent to US Ambassador Ronald Neumann. 'On behalf of the US embassy, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Afghanistan,' Neumann said in a statement.

'Their compassion and generosity bears testimony to the strength of the ties between our two peoples.'

Afghanistan's cash-strapped government relies heavily on financial aid from the United States and elsewhere. Most of the country is impoverished and there is little infrastructure outside of a handful of cities.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Puts the europeans to shame.

[Alia]

YAY, Afghanistan! Thank you!

[jriemer]

Puts the europeans to shame.

You don't need a hurricane to do that.

[SE Mom]

Wow.

[EBH]

Just WOW!

[mpackard]

Wow, this brought tears to my eyes, really.

[AmericaUnited]

This is the equivalent of 100 million from some Euroweane country.

[niteowl77]

Like the woman who contributed her copper coins in the temple, they have given from their poverty, while others fail to give from their wealth.

[jriemer]

pingeroo

[T Minus Four]

I'm truly touched. Thanks!

[LS]

This is a terrific gesture, and, unfortunately, for "honor," we have to take it, but they really need every cent there.

[HarryCaul]

/salute

Great gesture, very much appreciated.

[jriemer]

This is a terrific gesture, and, unfortunately, for "honor," we have to take it, but they really need every cent there.

Such donations are not without precendence.
American diplomats have been given 14 cows by Kenyan Masai tribespeople in a gesture of sympathy following the 11 September attacks - BBC - 06/03/02

It is truly another example of the "widow's mite".

[frankiep]

Amazing gesture from Afghanistan. One part of me says that we should refuse this offer because if you've ever been to Afghanistan you would plainly see that they need the money far more than we do. Another part of me says that we should accept it because to do otherwise would be an insult to them.

Nonetheless, I am deeply touched that this offer was even made.

[Jet Jaguar]

Thank you!

[manwiththehands]

Thanks Afghanistan!

[moog]

Puts the europeans to shame.

Indeed it does.

[moog]

It is truly another example of the "widow's mite".

Yes it is and a good reminder to us all.

[SeeRushToldU_So]

Thanks for the effort.