The US State Department has reiterated that it does not provide direct financial support to the Taliban. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the department, firmly denied any claims of such funding. "We do not provide financial aid to the Taliban," Miller stated, emphasizing, "When it comes to US funding of the Taliban, no, we flatly do not fund the Taliban. Made that clear on a number of occasions."
Contrasting with these statements, a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) revealed that U.S. government implementing partners have paid at least $10.9 mn to the Taliban-controlled government. These payments were made in the form of taxes, fees, import duties, or for obtaining permits, licenses, and public utility services.
Economic experts have pointed out that while the US does not directly fund the Taliban, its financial and humanitarian aid is channelled through various aid organizations operating within Afghanistan. Shakir Yaqoobi, an economic analyst, stressed the importance of establishing a systematic framework to manage this aid effectively, despite potential indirect involvement.
Abdal Nasir Rashtia, another economic expert, raised concerns about the efficiency of aid distribution. He noted, "Unfortunately, all the aid provided by the international community, including the United States, is distributed through relief organizations. About 40% of this aid is unfortunately wasted by the organizations themselves, leaving only a small portion for the Afghan people."
The Afghan Ministry of Economy has confirmed that humanitarian aid is delivered directly to citizens without interference from the Islamic Emirate. Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, assured, "Since the beginning of humanitarian aid from charity organizations and world countries, this aid has been directly provided by various UN agencies without interference from the Emirate’s authorities. We strive to facilitate donor countries and charitable organizations in addressing economic stagnation and poverty."
In recent developments, some US senators have suggested suspending financial aid to Afghanistan through the United Nations. They argue that until it is confirmed that humanitarian aid is not being used to support the Islamic Emirate, the UN should halt its aid to Afghanistan.
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