Written by Alexander James.

The Inspector General has revealed a shocking report about President Joe Biden’s administration. Since overseeing the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Kabul in 2021, Biden has indirectly sent the Taliban at least $10.9 million. This revelation has sparked intense scrutiny and concern among taxpayers and politicians alike.

Despite these substantial payments, the State Department has attempted to cover up the transactions. They claim, “no U.S. government assistance is provided to, or through, the Taliban.” However, these taxpayer dollars are funneled through the United Nations and its partner agencies, obscuring their final destination.

On Monday, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) disclosed that Biden’s administration facilitated $10.9 million in payments to the Taliban regime. Most of this funding came from “taxes” collected by the Taliban. About half a million dollars were allocated for “utilities, fees, and customs duties,” raising questions about the integrity and oversight of these funds.

The Murky Path of U.S. Funds

SIGAR’s report suggests the $10.9 million tracked is likely just a fraction of the total U.S. assistance that reached the Taliban. U.N. agencies receiving U.S. funds failed to collect data or provide relevant information about their subawardees’ payments. This lack of transparency and accountability is deeply troubling.

Furthermore, the Inspector General noted that many organizations working in Afghanistan did not comply with the U.S. Treasury Department’s minimal recordkeeping requirements. One of the U.N.’s “implementing partners” admitted to paying taxes to the Taliban but kept no records. This admission highlights the ease with which funds can be misdirected in a conflict zone.

Ironically, the U.S. does not officially recognize the Taliban regime. This non-recognition was used as an excuse for not keeping records of taxes and fees paid, as the Taliban government does not meet the technical definition of a “host government.” This loophole has allowed significant sums of money to flow unchecked into Taliban-controlled coffers.

The Impact of U.N. Involvement

Since the fall of Kabul, the United Nations has collected approximately $1.6 billion from U.S. taxpayers for programs in Afghanistan. There are no requirements to report annually on taxes, fees, duties, or utilities paid to the Taliban regime. The U.N. itself claims tax-exempt status, but its agencies act as intermediaries for State and USAID awards, employing subcontractors who directly handle award activities.

SIGAR highlighted that these subcontractors did not receive tax exemptions from the Taliban regime. Consequently, a significant portion of American funding likely ended up in Taliban hands. U.N. officials have even warned subcontractors about potential Taliban reprisals for failing to pay taxes and fees, which could include frozen bank accounts, closed offices, or attempts to divert aid.

Seventeen of the 65 organizations operating in Afghanistan reported direct pressure from the Taliban. This pressure included demands to hire “Taliban-approved individuals” and orders to divert food and medicine to areas selected by the Taliban. Despite occasional armed threats, these organizations managed to resist many of the Taliban’s demands.

Our Take

The revelation that U.S. taxpayer dollars have indirectly funded the Taliban is deeply troubling. From a politically conservative perspective, this situation underscores a profound failure in oversight and accountability within the Biden administration. Allowing funds to flow through unverified channels and end up in the hands of terrorists is not just a bureaucratic oversight; it’s a significant threat to national and international security.

The Biden administration must take immediate and decisive action to prevent any further American funding from reaching the Taliban. This includes implementing SIGAR’s policy recommendations, such as expanded reporting requirements for all recipients of U.S. funding and stricter enforcement of Treasury Department rules. Failing to do so not only legitimizes the Taliban but also endangers the Afghan people and the credibility of U.S. foreign aid.

It’s unacceptable for U.S. funds to benefit a regime that stands against everything America represents. The administration’s negligence in this matter is a disservice to taxpayers and a betrayal of the principles of transparency and accountability. Immediate reforms are necessary to ensure that U.S. foreign aid serves its intended purpose without empowering adversarial regimes.