He also has called for an increase in reconstruction aid to Afghanistan.

Many countries and institutions promised reconstruction aid for the affected regions.

American reconstruction aid has now been increased by $1.2 billion for the next year.

Congress has appropriated $6.2 billion in reconstruction aid, but officials say that is not enough to meet housing needs.

Under the new initiative, American reconstruction aid is expected to double, to $1.8 billion a year, officials said.

Catholic charities are expected to play a major role in reconstruction aid.

Significant reconstruction aid will also depend on the kind of government that finally emerges in Kabul.

That collaboration is one of the main political conditions for access to reconstruction aid.

That is a different matter from reconstruction aid proper.

Europe had already pledged $371 million in reconstruction aid this year.