USA: Biden wants to split Afghanistan funds

After the Taliban took power, the US confiscated billions of Afghan assets. President Biden now wants to release the money – for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and possible compensation for 9/11 victims.

$7 billion from the former Afghan government has been frozen at the US Federal Reserve in New York since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. Victims of September 11, 2001 had complained that they would be compensated with this money. They had won the relevant lawsuits, but never received any money. The American government was heard about this and has now decided not to oppose it.

Money should be shared

With a presidential order, however, President Joe Biden ensures that the money is divided – 3.5 billion for humanitarian aid to the suffering population in Afghanistan and 3.5 billion for compensation in the USA. Legally problematic, says Scott Worden from the US Institute of Peace: “If the Biden government recognizes the Taliban, then the funds belong to the Taliban and courts could award this money.”

However, the US government does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, so it is unclear who owns the money and it cannot be spent.

Taliban are pushing to get the money

On the other hand, the Taliban are pushing to get this money. They are no longer able to pay teachers, doctors, public servants, to get the economy going again. The acting foreign minister told the Arabic news channel Al Jazeera: “This is so embarrassing that a huge country like the United States is freezing our funds. Instead of helping us build our country and keep order.”

US wants to spend money on direct humanitarian aid

The US government does not want to pay the money to the Taliban, but instead wants to provide direct aid. However, help is urgently needed if a catastrophe is not to occur. And much more money is needed, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “If we don’t act quickly, not only they will pay the price, but the whole world.”

For Joe Biden, however, a decision against the claims of the victims of September 11th would be difficult to bear domestically. In addition, the former Afghan government has assets in other countries, including Germany.