Washington DC –
President United States of America (AS) Joe Biden disbursement of assets worth US$ 7 billion (Rp 100 trillion) belonging to the government Afghanistan previously frozen since Taliban power back. But after being disbursed, half of the assets were confiscated for humanitarian aid for Afghans which was distributed without going through the Taliban.
The other half was seized to fund US government payments in lawsuits filed by families of victims of the September 9, 2001 attacks that are still ongoing in US courts. So as reported AFP and Associated PressSaturday (12/2/2022).
Biden signed an executive order to block and seize the Afghan assets on Friday (11/2) local time.
The $7 billion in Afghan assets has been held in New York’s Central Bank since the Taliban took power from the previous, Western-backed government in August last year. Most of the assets came from foreign aid to assist the previous Afghan government.
So far, neither the US nor other Western countries recognize the Taliban government. But with poverty gripping Afghanistan today, the US is looking for a way to deliver humanitarian aid without involving the Taliban who rule there.
The disbursed assets are not disbursed immediately. But in his executive order, said the White House, Biden divided the Afghan assets for two purposes.
Half, or US$3.5 billion (Rp 50 trillion), will be channeled to a trust or humanitarian aid agency ‘for the benefit of the Afghan people and for the future of Afghanistan’. The other half will remain in the US to pay for lawsuits by the families of 9/11 victims.
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