KABUL: Over the past four years, the United States has provided approximately $4 billion in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, primarily through the United Nations. However, earlier this year, Donald Trump issued an order to suspend U.S. foreign aid. Some civil society activists argue that this aid has inadvertently strengthened the Taliban. Tarannom Sayeedi, the head of the Women’s Political Participation Network, stated, “Tens of millions of dollars have been sent to Afghanistan weekly, supporting the continuation of the Taliban government. Without real pressure, Afghan women will remain in darkness.” During these years, there have also been prisoner exchanges between the U.S. and the Taliban. The Taliban released American citizen George Golzman as a goodwill gesture. Previously, two other Americans had been freed in exchange for a Taliban member. Following this, the U.S. lifted the bounty on several Taliban leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani. Despite these interactions, Washington has emphasized that recognizing the Taliban depends on their actions. U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that formal engagement with the Taliban is not possible without adherence to human rights, women’s rights, and the establishment of an inclusive government.
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