The United States Accidentally Transfers $239 Million to the Taliban After Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Summary A shocking report from the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has revealed that the U.S. State Department has likely given at least $239 million to the Taliban since President Joe Biden ordered the disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The report exposes significant lapses in compliance with partner vetting requirements by the State Department, with two bureaus failing to properly vet the recipients of these funds. This figure does not include the estimated $7 billion worth of military equipment left behind for the Taliban to seize. The hasty retreat from Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians, as well as the abandonment of Afghan allies who assisted anti-Taliban efforts. The Taliban quickly established over 1,000 non-profit organizations as fronts to secure U.S. taxpayer dollars under the supervision of State Department officials. The report raises serious concerns about accountability and the continuation of potentially embezzled funds. Meta Description The U.S. State Department has accidentally given at least $239 million to the Taliban since the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, according to a SIGAR report. The funds were sent without proper vetting, and the total excludes $7 billion in military equipment left behind. The report exposes significant lapses in compliance and raises questions about accountability.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Oops, Big Mistake!
A new report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) reveals that the US Department of State likely transferred at least $239 million to the Taliban since President Joe Biden ordered the disastrous withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021.
Failing to Check Requirements
The report uncovered major gaps in compliance with partner vetting requirements by the Department of State. It noted that two out of five offices in the Department were sending funds to Afghanistan without conducting proper checks on the non-profit organizations receiving them.
Funding Terrorism and Corruption
This $239 million does not include the $7 billion worth of military equipment left behind by US forces, which fell into the hands of the Taliban. This failure to vet has increased the risk of individuals and entities linked to terrorism benefiting from US spending in Afghanistan.
Lack of Accountability
The report does not recommend any disciplinary actions against the officials who allowed $239 million to be transferred to anti-American extremists, nor does it suggest halting donations of millions of dollars to a failed state controlled by extremist Islamic groups. This means that no one will lose their job for handing $239 million to anti-American extremists.
Conclusion
This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen oversight and accountability in US foreign aid operations, especially in areas controlled by terrorist groups. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and procedures in preventing funds from being transferred to the wrong parties.
