In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced intense scrutiny regarding the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing financial support to the Taliban. The discussions highlighted significant concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability for U.S. funds allocated to Afghanistan, especially in the absence of a functioning embassy or American diplomats on the ground.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the allocation of tens of millions of dollars to the Taliban, including $14.9 million for carpet weaving programs and $280 million for cash transfers for food. Critics questioned the effectiveness of these programs, emphasizing that no tangible goods, such as food from American farms, were being sent to Afghanistan, only cash transfers. This raised alarms about the potential misuse of funds, especially given the Taliban's oppressive policies against women and the general population.

The committee members expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly concerning the U.S. embassy, which is no longer under American control. Blinken acknowledged that while the U.S. does not have direct oversight, funds are distributed through international partners and NGOs, which are expected to ensure proper use. However, skepticism remained about the reliability of these organizations, especially in light of past incidents where funds were misallocated.

Another significant point of discussion was the financial burden of resettling Afghan refugees in the U.S., with estimates suggesting that approximately $9 billion has been spent to resettle around 90,000 individuals, averaging about $100,000 per person. This figure sparked debate about the efficiency and necessity of such expenditures, particularly when many committee members argued that the U.S. should not be sending any funds to Afghanistan without a clear understanding of their impact.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. in navigating its relationship with Afghanistan post-withdrawal. As the committee continues to evaluate the implications of these financial decisions, the discussions reflect broader concerns about accountability, humanitarian aid, and the U.S. role in supporting Afghan citizens amid a complex political landscape. The outcomes of this meeting may influence future policies and funding decisions, directly impacting both Afghan communities and American taxpayers.