Sixth Moscow Format Consultative Meeting to Begin Friday

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the main part of the meeting will be held behind closed doors.

The sixth Moscow Format consultative meeting will take place tomorrow (Friday, October 3) in Moscow with the participation of representatives from ten neighboring and regional countries, including China, Iran, and Pakistan.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the main part of the meeting will be held behind closed doors, with the focus on strengthening the “national reconciliation” process in Afghanistan, enhancing regional countries’ engagement with the interim government, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said about the meeting: “The meeting’s main proceedings, to be held behind closed doors, will be opened with a welcome address by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions at the Moscow Format Consultations will focus primarily on advancing the Afghan national reconciliation process and enhancing practical cooperation between regional states and Kabul in political, economic, counter-terrorism, and anti-drug efforts.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also added that the Russian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, on the sidelines of the meeting to discuss key issues, including bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Kabul, and a joint statement will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting.

Meanwhile, Karen Decker, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission to Afghanistan, who has taken on the responsibility of leading US foreign policy towards Afghanistan, told reporters in a meeting that the US representative will not participate in the Moscow Format meeting.

Zakharova added: “On the sidelines of the event, Sergey Lavrov will hold a meeting with Amir Muttaqi to address key issues of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Kabul.”

Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, also expressed optimism about the holding of the Moscow Format meeting, calling it a good opportunity for expanding the Islamic Emirate’s relations with neighboring and regional countries.

Fetrat further added about the meeting: “We consider this [Moscow Format meeting] a positive development. Once again, we emphasize that the countries of the region play a good role in supporting Afghanistan, and in this way, economic prosperity and stability in the region can be ensured.”

“There are concerns we have with some of the countries participating in this meeting, and we should discuss them, especially sharing our security concerns with them,” Hewad Zazi, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

It is worth noting that the participants in the final declaration of the fifth Moscow Format Consultative Meeting stressed the formation of an inclusive government, the fight against terrorist groups, and respect for human rights, especially women’s right to work and education in Afghanistan.

Sixth Moscow Format Consultative Meeting to Begin Friday
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Thomas West steps down as US envoy for Afghanistan

Thomas West, announcing his resignation as Washington’s special envoy for Afghanistan, stated that the U.S. remains committed to supporting Afghanistan and its people. West mentioned that the “resilience and courage” of Afghans have given him hope for the country’s future.

A few hours earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that West had been appointed as the acting head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination at the U.S. State Department.

Karen Decker, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan, Rina Amiri, the U.S. envoy for Afghanistan’s women, and another official will now take over West’s duties.

It remains unclear whether the U.S. government will appoint a new special envoy to replace West or if the politically driven role will be eliminated.

West wrote that he “led U.S. diplomacy toward Afghanistan during a very challenging period” and reflected positively on his accomplishments over the past three years.

West has faced many critics, primarily due to his approach toward the Taliban. He was known for distancing himself from anti-Taliban groups and maintaining a softer tone in his dealings with the Taliban.

West stated that the “resilience and courage of countless Afghan journalists and human rights activists” have been a source of hope for him.

During his tenure, West made several trips to neighboring countries but was unsuccessful in convincing those nations to use their influence to change the Taliban’s policies and behavior.

Thomas West’s departure leaves questions about the future of U.S. diplomacy towards Afghanistan. The ongoing challenges in engaging with the Taliban and securing meaningful change in the region highlight the difficulties in shaping Afghanistan’s political landscape post-West.

Whether a new envoy will be appointed remains to be seen, but the need for continued support for Afghanistan’s civil society and human rights remains paramount.

Thomas West steps down as US envoy for Afghanistan
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Washington states Afghanistan remains US Foreign Policy priority

The U.S. State Department spokesperson has stated that Afghanistan remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy. Matthew Miller mentioned that Afghanistan-related matters are being handled by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, the U.S. Special Envoy for Women in Afghanistan, and the U.S. State Department.

On Tuesday, October 1, during a press briefing, Miller was asked if Afghanistan continues to be a priority for U.S. foreign policy, to which he replied, “Of course, it is.”

Matthew Miller added that currently, Karen Decker, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Women in Afghanistan, and Mark Pommersheim at the U.S. State Department are leading efforts on issues related to Afghanistan.

These statements come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Thomas West, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, will be stepping down from his role.

According to Blinken, Thomas West will now become the head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination at the U.S. State Department.

In a statement on Tuesday, the U.S. Secretary of State praised Thomas West for his contributions over the past four years, noting that he effectively implemented U.S. policies regarding Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to face a dire humanitarian crisis under the current regime’s suppressive policies. The Taliban has banned education for girls beyond the sixth grade and restricted employment opportunities for women, leaving many families in poverty and despair.

The international community has expressed deep concern over these regressive measures, which have worsened living conditions for Afghan women and children. With limited access to education and employment, the country’s long-term development prospects remain bleak, and humanitarian aid is urgently needed to address these critical challenges.

Washington states Afghanistan remains US Foreign Policy priority
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Taliban asserts new gains against Afghan-based IS offshoot amid skepticism

ISLAMABAD —

The Taliban said Monday that their security forces had killed and captured several “key members” of a regional Islamic State affiliate for plotting recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, alleging that the suspects had crossed over from Pakistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, listed the claims and so-called successes against Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, locally known as Daesh, in a formal statement without providing evidence to support them.

The assertions came after the country’s three immediate neighbors and Russia jointly urged the de facto Kabul government this past Friday to take “visible and verifiable actions” against transnational terrorist groups, including IS-K, on Afghan soil.

Mujahid said the IS-K operatives in question had been involved in several recent attacks in Afghanistan. They included a suicide bombing in the Afghan capital earlier this month and a May gun attack in the central city of Bamiyan, he added.

Both attacks resulted in the deaths of at least ten people, including three Spanish tourists, with IS-K claiming credit for them at the time.

The Taliban spokesperson said that IS-K insurgents had established “new operational bases and training camps” in the Pakistani border provinces of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after fleeing Afghan counterterrorism security operations.

“From these new bases, they continue to orchestrate attacks, both within Afghanistan and in other countries,” he claimed, noting that “some of the arrested individuals had recently returned to Afghanistan from the Daesh Khorasan training camp” in Balochistan.

Islamabad has not immediately responded to the Taliban’s allegations, which came two days after neighboring Pakistan, China, and Iran, along with Russia, at a meeting in New York this past Friday, urged the Taliban to eradicate bases of IS-K and other transnational terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

The ministerial meeting warned that these Afghan-based terrorist entities “continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security.” According to a joint statement released after the huddle, the participants recognized the Taliban’s efforts in combating IS-K.

“They called on de facto authorities to take visible and verifiable actions in fulfilling the international obligations and commitments made by Afghanistan to fight terrorism, dismantle, and eliminate all terrorist groups equally and non-discriminatory and prevent the use of Afghan territory against its neighbors, the region, and beyond,” the statement stressed.

It identified the groups in question as IS-K, al-Qaida, Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement, ETIM, which opposes China, anti-Iran Jaish ul-Adl, and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, TTP, as well as the Baloch Liberation Army, BLA, both waging attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The United Nations, in a recent security assessment, also described TTP as “the largest terrorist group” in Afghanistan, with several thousand operatives, noting that IS-K activities in the country are also turning into a significant regional threat. It noted that the group had intensified cross-border attacks in Pakistan since the Taliban regained power three years ago and is being facilitated by the de facto Afghan rulers.

A new report issued Monday documented nearly 1,000 deaths of civilians and security forces in Pakistan during the first nine months of 2024. The Islamabad-based independent Center for Research and Security Studies stated that most of the fatalities resulted from attacks by TTP and BLA-led insurgents.

Pakistani authorities have consistently urged Kabul to extradite TTP leaders and militants to Islamabad for trial for instigating deadly violence in the country.

The Taliban has rejected Pakistani and U.N. allegations, saying they are not allowing any foreign groups, including TTP, to threaten other countries from Afghanistan.

The United States has designated TTP and BLA as global terrorist organizations.

Taliban asserts new gains against Afghan-based IS offshoot amid skepticism
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A child bride won the right to divorce – now the Taliban say it doesn’t count

Mamoon Durrani

BBC Afghan Service
Kawoon Khamoosh

BBC World Service
28 Sept 2024
BBC Nazdana looking at her divorce documentsBBC
Nazdana fled from Afghanistan with her divorce documents

There is a young woman sheltering under a tree between two busy roads clutching a pile of documents to her chest.

These pieces of paper are more important to Bibi Nazdana than anything in the world: they are the divorce granted to her after a two-year court battle to free herself from life as a child bride.

They are the same papers a Taliban court has invalidated – a victim of the group’s hardline interpretation on Sharia (religious law) which has seen women effectively silenced in Afghanistan’s legal system.

Nazdana’s divorce is one of tens of thousands of court rulings revoked since the Taliban took control of the country three years ago this month.

It took just 10 days from them sweeping into the capital, Kabul, for the man she was promised to at seven to ask the courts to overturn the divorce ruling she had fought so hard for.

Hekmatullah had initially appeared to demand his wife when Nazdana was 15. It was eight years since her father had agreed to what is known as a ‘bad marriage’, which seeks to turn a family “enemy” into a “friend”.

She immediately approached the court – then operating under the US-backed Afghan government – for a separation, repeatedly telling them she could not marry the farmer, now in his 20s. It took two years, but finally a ruling was made in her favour: “The court congratulated me and said, ‘You are now separated and free to marry whomever you want.'”

But after Hekmatullah appealed the ruling in 2021, Nazdana was told she would not be allowed to plead her own case in person.

“At the court, the Taliban told me I shouldn’t return to court because it was against Sharia. They said my brother should represent me instead,” says Nazdana.

“They told us if we didn’t comply,” says Shams, Nazdana’s 28-year-old brother, “they would hand my sister over to him (Hekmatullah) by force.”

Her former husband, and now a newly signed up member of the Taliban, won the case. Shams’ attempts to explain to the court in their home province of Uruzgan that her life would be in danger fell on deaf ears.

The siblings decided they had been left with no choice but to flee.

Nazdana and her brother shams
Nazdana and her brother Shams say they had to flee to save their lives

When the Taliban returned to power three years ago, they promised to do away with the corruption of the past and deliver “justice” under Sharia, a version of Islamic law.

Since then, the Taliban say they have looked at some 355,000 cases.

Most were criminal cases – an estimated 40% are disputes over land and a further 30% are family issues including divorce, like Nazdana’s.

Nazdana’s divorce ruling was dug out after the BBC got exclusive access to the back offices of the Supreme Court in the capital, Kabul.

Abdulwahid Haqani – media officer for Afghanistan’s Supreme Court – confirms the ruling in favour of Hekmatullah, saying it was not valid because he “wasn’t present”.

“The previous corrupt administration’s decision to cancel Hekmatullah and Nazdana’s marriage was against the Sharia and rules of marriage,” he explains.

But the promises to reform the justice system have gone further than simply reopening settled cases.

The Taliban have also systematically removed all judges – both male and female – and replaced them with people who supported their hardline views.

Women were also declared unfit to participate in the judicial system.

“Women aren’t qualified or able to judge because in our Sharia principles the judiciary work requires people with high intelligence,” says Abdulrahim Rashid, director of foreign relations and communications at Taliban’s Supreme Court.

Abdulrahim Rashid, Taliban's supreme court
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Abdulrahim Rashid, Director of foreign relations and communications at Taliban’s supreme court

‘If we can’t speak, why live?’ – BBC meets women after new Taliban law

The hospital struggling to save its starving babies

The Afghan women who escaped to get an education abroad

For the women who worked in the system, the loss is felt heavily – and not just for themselves.

Former Supreme Court judge Fawzia Amini – who fled the country after the Taliban returned – says there is little hope for women’s protections to improve under the law if there are no women in the courts.

“We played an important role,” she says. “For example, the Elimination of Violence against Women law in 2009 was one of our achievements. We also worked on the regulation of shelters for women, orphan guardianship and the anti-human trafficking law, to name a few.”

She also rubbishes the Taliban overturning previous rulings, like Nazdana’s.

“If a woman divorces her husband and the court documents are available as evidence then that’s final. Legal verdicts can’t change because a regime changes,” says Ms Amini.

“Our civil code is more than half a century old,” she adds. “It’s been practised since even before the Taliban were founded.

“All civil and penal codes, including those for divorce, have been adapted from the Quran.”

Taliban court decisions
A shelf for resettled court cases of the previous government at Taliban’s supreme court

But the Taliban say Afghanistan’s former rulers simply weren’t Islamic enough.

Instead, they largely rely on Hanafi Fiqh (jurisprudence) religious law, which dates back to the 8th Century – albeit updated to “meet the current needs”, according to Abdulrahim Rashid.

“The former courts made decisions based on a penal and civil code. But now all decisions are based on Sharia [Islamic law],” he adds, proudly gesturing at the pile of cases they have already sorted through.

Ms Amini is less impressed by the plans for Afghanistan’s legal system going forward.

“I have a question for the Taliban. Did their parents marry based on these laws or based on the laws that their sons are going to write?” she asks.

Under the tree between two roads in an unnamed neighbouring country, none of this is any comfort to Nazdana.

Now just 20, she has been here for a year, clutching her divorce papers and hoping someone will help her.

“I have knocked on many doors asking for help, including the UN, but no-one has heard my voice,” she says.

“Where is the support? Don’t I deserve freedom as a woman?”

The BBC has been unable to reach Hekmatullah for comment.

A child bride won the right to divorce – now the Taliban say it doesn’t count
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Iran Can No Longer Accept Afghan Refugees

Eskandar Momeni, Iran’s Minister of Interior, told reporters that his country can no longer accept Afghan citizens and that the deportation of illegal migrants is one of Iran’s top priorities.

The minister also said that the Iranian law enforcement forces are at the forefront of this issue, and in line with the demands of the people and the government, this matter has been placed on their agenda. He further clarified that all necessary plans for the implementation of this decision have been prepared.

The Interior Minister said: “They are our brothers. We share many commonalities; however, our country can no longer accommodate them. All of the country’s resources and subsidies are being spent on this, and therefore, our top priority, with a proper plan, is to deport those who have entered the country illegally.”

At the same time, some Afghan refugees in Iran have criticized what they describe as increasing restrictions imposed by the Iranian government on Afghan citizens. These refugees claim that their residency documents have been declared invalid by the Iranian government, and their bank cards and SIM cards have been deactivated.

Mehdi Alizadeh, an Afghan refugee in Iran, told TOLOnews: “There has been violence; they have been insulted and humiliated. They have insulted their nation and land, and even those migrants who have legal documents have been deported.”

Akbar Soltani, another Afghan refugee in Iran, said: “Since 2021, census forms or residency permits for migrants have been declared invalid, and there have also been issues with SIM cards and bank cards for migrants.”

In recent months, restrictions on Afghan migrants in Iran have increased, with Iranian officials, including the Chief Commander of Law Enforcement Forces, repeatedly emphasizing the deportation of Afghan migrants from the country.

Iran Can No Longer Accept Afghan Refugees
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Quadrilateral Meeting Stresses Cooperation with Islamic Emirate

The Islamic Emirate welcomed the stance of these four countries regarding dialogue with Afghanistan’s interim government.

A quadrilateral meeting of Russia, Iran, China, and Pakistan was held on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly session to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that participants in the meeting emphasized that without dialogue and cooperation with the interim government, there is no solution for Afghanistan.

The statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry read: “On September 27, the foreign ministers of the regional quartet – Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan – held their third meeting on the Afghanistan agenda on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the event. The parties compared their approaches to the Afghanistan settlement and underscored that there was no alternative to establishing mutually respectful dialogue and partnership relations with the current authorities of Afghanistan.”

Fazl Rahman Orya, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “Eastern powers like Russia have been engaging with the new Afghan government since day one, and this engagement continues. For the Western world, there is no other option but to engage with the Afghan government as well.”

At the same time, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, noting that the meeting was hosted by Iran’s Foreign Minister. According to the statement, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi warned about Afghanistan’s security situation during the meeting and emphasized the need to form a united front against terrorists.

Sayed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, stated during the quadrilateral meeting: “Terrorist groups like Daesh not only threaten the people of Afghanistan but also the security of the region. Neighboring countries cannot allow terrorism and violent extremism to take root in Afghanistan.”

The Islamic Emirate welcomed the stance of these four countries regarding dialogue with Afghanistan’s interim government, stating that such dialogue paves the way for improved political relations.

Hamidullah Fetrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “We welcome and affirm the positive stance of Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan, which consider dialogue with the Islamic Emirate and political dialogue as the only solution. The reality is that dialogue and political discourse between countries facilitate positive engagement.”

Sayed Muqadam Amin, another political analyst, stated: “There is a need to establish regional and even global convergence to obtain firsthand information, which could serve as a good plan for coordinating against terrorism.”

During the meeting, Iran’s Foreign Minister highlighted his country’s hosting of more than six million Afghan refugees and called on the international community to cooperate with the countries hosting these refugees.

Quadrilateral Meeting Stresses Cooperation with Islamic Emirate
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Kabul’s Response to Sharif: Terrorist Groups Not in Afghanistan

Sharif also emphasized the need for an inclusive government and respect for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate has rejected the statements made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, who claimed the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate once again pledged that Afghanistan will not pose a threat to any country.

Hamidullah Fetrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews that the interim government supports positive regional policies and will not allow any foreign group to operate in Afghanistan.

The deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate said: “Afghanistan does not pose a threat or danger to any country. We do not permit foreign groups to operate in Afghanistan, nor do we allow anyone to use Afghan soil as a threat to others.”

Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, claimed at the UN General Assembly that terrorist groups are present in Afghanistan and that the Islamic Emirate should take action against them.

During the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif also emphasized the need for an inclusive government and respect for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Shehbaz Sharif said at the session: “We endorse and share the international expectation, that the Afghan Interim Government would respect human rights, including the rights of women and girls, and promote political inclusion. In particular, the interim government must take effective actions to neutralize all terrorist groups within Afghanistan, especially those responsible for cross-border terrorism against neighboring countries.”

Australia’s Foreign Minister also criticized the restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan during the session, stating that these restrictions hinder Afghanistan’s progress.

Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, said: “Australia will join Germany, Canada and the Netherlands to take unprecedented action to hold Afghanistan to account under international law for the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.”

Rashid Meredov, the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, also emphasized during the session that supporting the people of Afghanistan is the most crucial aspect for ensuring regional security.

The Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan stated: “The most important aspect of ensuring security is cooperation in the Afghan direction and support for the people of Afghanistan in their aspirations to begin peaceful, constructive work to rebuild the economy and social sphere and solve humanitarian problems.”

On the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and the UN Secretary-General also discussed the situation in Afghanistan.

Kabul’s Response to Sharif: Terrorist Groups Not in Afghanistan
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Foreign, Domestic Companies Considering Investments Totaling $5 Billion

USAID supported major projects in Afghanistan, including CASA-1000, but halted its operations after the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.

The Economic Affairs Office of the Prime Minister has announced that dozens of domestic and foreign companies are interested in investing over $5 billion in Afghanistan.

According to the statement from the Economic Affairs Office, domestic and foreign investors aim to invest in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, industry, energy, mining, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation in the country.

Hamidullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, said: “Domestic and foreign companies have shown interest in investing approximately 5.348 billion dollars in agriculture, infrastructure, industry, energy, mining, telecommunications, healthcare, and transport sectors.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for International Cooperation of Qatar discussed the situation in Afghanistan and development projects in the country during a meeting with the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Mohammad Nabi Afghan, an economic expert, commented on the activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), saying, “USAID was very active and greatly supported the private sector, particularly in assisting farmers with fruit exports and in infrastructure projects.”

Sayed Masood, another economic expert, highlighted the importance of USAID’s activities, saying, “I believe if USAID resumes its operations in Afghanistan after three years, it will create a sense of regional trust.”

The Ministry of Economy has emphasized the significance of USAID resuming its activities for the country’s economic growth and stressed the need for USAID and other organizations to restart their operations in Afghanistan.

Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, told TOLOnews: “USAID can help Afghanistan in economic development, including the growth of agriculture, trade, and small and medium-sized industries, as well as managing natural resources like the environment and infrastructure issues such as water supply, electricity, and road construction.”

USAID supported major projects in Afghanistan, including CASA-1000, but halted its operations after the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.

Foreign, Domestic Companies Considering Investments Totaling $5 Billion
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New GOP-backed bill would ban aid to Afghanistan to avoid giving US dollars to the Taliban

A group of Republican lawmakers is introducing a new bill that would cease all aid dollars to Afghanistan over concerns of interception by the Taliban.

“The Biden-Harris administration’s disastrous withdrawal has plunged the country back under Taliban rule, and now it turns out that our taxpayer dollars are being used to the benefit of the Taliban,” Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., sponsor of the legislation, told Fox News Digital.

“This legislation is needed so we can ensure that no more of our tax dollars are being irresponsibly used in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.”

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The House bill is co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Nick Langworthy of New York, Barry Moore of Alabama, Erlic Burlison of Missouri, Matt Rosendale of Montana and Randy Feenstra of Iowa.

The U.S. is the largest donor to Afghanistan. It spent a total of $21 billion on the nation and Afghan refugees who have been evacuated since the withdrawal. However, critics say much of that aid ends up in lining the pockets of the Taliban, who they say have taken control of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the country.

The United Nations (U.N.), meanwhile, has flown in some $2.9 billion in U.S. currency cash to Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control, the bulk of that being from funds allocated by the U.S., and at least some of which ends up in the Taliban-controlled central bank, according to the SIGAR report from July. 

The Taliban “taxes” this cash at multiple points of distribution.

The bill would prohibit federal agencies from giving any direct cash assistance to Afghanistan and prohibit any taxpayer dollars from going to the U.N. for the purpose of assisting Afghanistan. It also prohibits Federal Reserve Banks from selling U.S. currency to the U.N. for the purpose of direct cash assistance to Afghanistan.

In a briefing to the U.N. Security Council on March 6, Roza Otunbayeva, the U.N.’s special representative for Afghanistan, did not mention the money going to Da Afghanistan central bank but said it was necessary to get medical care and food for Afghans.

The shipments have “injected liquidity to the local economy that has in large part allowed the private sector to continue to function and averted a fiscal crisis,” Otunbayeva told the council.

In a letter provided in response to the SIGAR report, the State Department said the U.N. was in charge of managing the cash transfer program.

“We remain committed to providing critical, life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. We will continue to monitor assistance programs and seek to mitigate the risk that U.S. assistance could indirectly benefit the Taliban or could be diverted to unintended recipients,” the letter said.

For 20 years prior to the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan received some $8 billion in foreign assistance per year, representing 40% of its gross domestic product and financing three quarters of the government’s public expenditures. When the U.S. and other foreign entities stopped supplying aid, the country fell into an economic crisis – and aid dollars began flowing once again.

In June, the House passed a bill that would force the State Department to investigate which countries give aid to the Taliban – and also get U.S. assistance themselves.

New GOP-backed bill would ban aid to Afghanistan to avoid giving US dollars to the Taliban
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