US abandoned $7B in military equipment in Afghanistan ahead of Taliban takeover
FOX NewsDec 27, 2021
Report: US, Taliban Exchange Proposals on Release of Funds
story
Image copyright: AFP [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
Negotiations between the US and the Taliban have reportedly made progress regarding the release of billions of dollars from the Afghan central bank reserves held abroad into a trust fund.
Significant differences still remain, though, including the Taliban's refusal to replace the bank's top political appointees, one of whom is under US sanctions, as are several Taliban leaders.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The money over which these negotiations are taking place isn't America's. All of it belongs to Afghan citizens, and the White House has unethically held it hostage. Concerning the $3.5B for 9/11 victims, Afghan citizens aren't responsible for that either and let's not forget about the thousands of innocents killed by the US military. The hypocrisy here is astounding.
Pro-establishment narrative
The US is extremely cautious in dealing with the Taliban. The goal of releasing these funds must be to help struggling Afghans, not support Taliban-affiliated terrorist groups. The US must ensure that funding will be allocated properly - this is a critical prerequisite.
