A watchdog group has revealed that the Biden administration is the single largest donor to the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2021.
The Tuesday report from the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) shared the shocking concern about the $2.34 billion for Afghanistan's reconstruction.
— Humoroid, Sarcowits-the- (@GarretLebois) August 8, 2023
“The Taliban are comfortable accepting foreign support insofar as they can closely monitor the organizations, including restricting and controlling them, and claim some credit for the provision of the benefits,” according to the SIGAR report.
“Despite Taliban promises made since gaining power in August 2021 to be more inclusive, counter terrorism, respect human rights, and not pose a security threat to the region, the U.N. says that the Taliban ‘shows no signs of bending to pressure for reform or compromise.'”
As we approach the 2nd anniversary of U.S. withdrawal from #AFG, and Taliban’s return to power, SIGAR reports on continuing U.S. assistance, Taliban interference with NGOs delivering assistance, continued rollback of women’s rights & humanitarian crisishttps://t.co/V9p4qu0Tu4
— SIGAR (@SIGARHQ) August 8, 2023
"Cumulative appropriations for reconstruction and related activities in Afghanistan since FY 2002 rose to $147.06 billion in the quarter ending June 30, 2023. The U.S. government has appropriated more than $2.35 billion in FY 2022 and FY 2023 funding for Afghanistan reconstruction programming since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021," the report noted.
"Of the $112.40 billion (76% of the total) appropriated to the six largest active reconstruction funds, about $1.70 billion remained for possible disbursement," it added.
The report comes as Gold Star family members of the 13 servicemembers lost in a Kabul airport explosion in 2021 spoke out against President Joe Biden's botched withdrawal.
One father called on the president to resign over the problems related to the military departure, a call echoing many who were upset over the chaotic weeks that left many Americans behind enemy lines under the Taliban.
The latest report shows that despite the large donations, the government could stop ongoing finances if it chooses to do so.
Much damage has already been done but the report shows that there are options to change the situation if leaders will act.
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