- In another polarizing policy decision on the Middle East, the Trump administration has frozen $65 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees administered by the United Nations. The aid funds schools, food aid and health clinics for 5 million Palestinians living in refugee camps. (“US Withholds $65 Million from Palestinian Aid Programs,”Washington Post, Jan. 16, 2018; “U.S. Withholds Millions of Dollars in Promised Palestinian Food Aid,” Foreign Policy, Jan. 17, 2018)
- After a violent civil war erupted in South Sudan in 2013, the world’s youngest nation, 200,000 people sought safety in United Nations refugee camps. Now five years later, the camps have turned into ad hoc cities with police stations, restaurants, churches, a mosque and a thriving underground economy. (“Canvas Cities: Does the World Need a New Model for Refugee Camps?” Christian Science monitor)
- Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont, laid the groundwork for the next generation of health care reform with his advocacy for “Medicare for All” legislation promoting a single-payer health system. Some Democrats testing the waters for a possible run for president in 2020, have co-sponsored Sanders’ “Medicare for All” bill including Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California. (“The Road to Medicare for Everyone,” American Prospect, Jan. 3, 2018)
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