The United States has poured an astonishing $144 billion into Afghanistan over the past 20 years, with the intention of rebuilding the war-torn nation. However, a recent report by the US Inspector General has revealed that corruption within the Afghan governments has been a significant obstacle to effective reconstruction efforts.
According to the report, a staggering $4.7 billion was spent on stabilization programs, yet the outcomes were dismal. Despite the significant amount of funds allocated, the results were disappointing, and the situation only worsened after the withdrawal of US forces, with $7.1 billion worth of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.
The report also highlighted that the US spent a whopping $3.83 billion in aid to the Taliban government over a period of four years, and a total of $144 billion from 2002 to 2021 was allocated for Afghanistan’s reconstruction. Corruption within the Afghan governments has been identified as the biggest hurdle in the reconstruction efforts.
A special report by the US Inspector General on the 20-year Afghan war and reconstruction efforts reveals that the anti-narcotics program was ineffective despite being allocated $7.3 billion. The international donors contributed $8.1 billion under the United Nations for various projects.
In a bizarre turn of events, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, has denied all the allegations made by the US, calling herself innocent. After another US threat, the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has surrendered and offered cooperation with the US.
The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela, calling for a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, the temperature in the UK has dropped to a chilly -10.9°C in Cumbria, making it the coldest night of the season so far.
The Colombian President has stated that the Trump administration considered Maduro’s protests a challenge to their courage and considered it the final reason for military action. The Iranian judiciary has ordered violators to face consequences, while Iran has demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The controversy surrounding the birth of Brigitte Macron has taken a new turn, with the former’s claims that he was born as a man, Jean-Michel Trogneux, gaining traction on the internet. The UN’s charter binds member states to refrain from using force or threatening force against another state.
A special service will be held in Lahore for the deceased, with the funeral prayer to be offered after the noon prayer.
