US Provides Over $17 Billion in Aid to Afghanistan Since 2021 Withdrawal

The United States has allocated a staggering $17.19 billion in aid to Afghanistan and Afghan refugees since the withdrawal of US forces in 2021, according to a recent report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). This substantial assistance, which positions the us, continues, largest donor to Afghanistan under Taliban control, includes $2.8 billion for humanitarian and developmental aid, $5.36 billion for evacuating and supporting former US colleagues, $5.53 billion for hosting Afghan refugees in the United States, and $3.5 billion allocated from the Afghan Central Bank's assets to the Afghan Trust Fund in Switzerland.

Why this matters: The massive aid package highlights the US's ongoing commitment to stabilizing Afghanistan and addressing the humanitarian crisis, which has far-reaching implications for regional security and global efforts to combat terrorism. The success of this aid effort will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of Afghans and the broadergeopolitical landscape.

The aid package serves as a crucial lifeline for Afghanistan, which has been grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis since the US withdrawal and the Taliban's ascent to power. UN agencies estimate that over two-thirds of the population now lives in poverty, with women and children bearing the brunt of the hardships and lacking access to basic necessities such as food andshelter.

Despite the significant aid provided, the SIGAR report also highlights ongoing security concerns in the region. ISIS-Khorasan continues to actively recruit forces in Afghanistan and the surrounding areas, focusing on involving foreign citizens in its attacks and expanding its recruitment beyond Salafists. Reports suggest that organizers of deadly attacks in Iran and Pakistan received training in Afghanistan, contradicting the Taliban's claims. Additionally, Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) maintain a presence in the country.

The SIGAR report notes that the Taliban's fight against ISIS-Khorasan appears to prioritize addressing internal threats posed by the group rather than its external operations. As the largest aid donor to Afghanistan, the United States remains committed to supporting the country's reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, with the $17.19 billion aid package allocated through September 30, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• US allocates $17.19 billion in aid to Afghanistan and Afghan refugees since 2021.
• Aid includes humanitarian, developmental, evacuation, and refugee support.
• Afghanistan faces dire humanitarian crisis, with 2/3 of population in poverty.
• Security concerns persist, with ISIS-Khorasan, Al-Qaeda, and TTP maintaining presence.
• US remains largest aid donor, committed to supporting Afghanistan's reconstruction.