Thursday, December 18, 2025
44.0°F

Billions spent on Afghan army ultimately benefited Taliban

by Robert Burns
| August 18, 2021 12:03 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Built and trained at a two-decade cost of $83 billion, Afghan security forces collapsed so quickly and completely — in some cases without a shot fired — that the ultimate beneficiary of the American investment turned out to be the Taliban. They grabbed not only political power but also U.S.-supplied firepower — guns, ammunition, helicopters and more.

Become a Subscriber!

You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.

Already a subscriber? Login

Print & Digital
Includes home delivery and FREE digital access when you sign up with EZ Pay
  • $16.25 per month
Buy
Unlimited Digital Access
*Access via computer, tablet, or mobile device
  • $9.95 per month
Buy