8am: In several areas of Herat, residents speak of widespread extortion by local strongmen who exploit humanitarian aid and charity programs. According to residents, these strongmen demand a share from each family in return for introducing needy and eligible households to aid organizations. Those who refuse to pay are excluded from beneficiary lists and denied future assistance. In a recent incident in one part of Herat, an organization distributed aid to about 50 women who were heads of their households. Local strongmen arrived at the distribution site and claimed around 30 to 40 percent of the total aid for themselves. Sources say that recipients who refuse to surrender part of their aid are removed from beneficiary lists. At the same time, many other residents of Herat describe deep poverty and widespread unemployment, stressing that no organization has come to support them. Click here to read more (external link).