A three-part series identifies new and underutilized policy options to stem the Taliban’s corruption and advance peace in Afghanistan.
DALLAS—Today, the George W. Bush Institute released the final report in a three-part series outlining the Taliban’s embrace of barbaric and extremist ideology to consolidate power in Afghanistan. The Captured State series examines how the Taliban are amassing their wealth, the foreign governments supporting their mafia-like rule, and the horrific human rights abuses committed against the Afghan people.
The Taliban raked in $2.2 billion in revenue in 2022 but provided no accounting for how this money was spent. They are actively looting Afghanistan of its wealth to line their own pocketbooks while innocent Afghans suffer. Ninety percent of Afghans live in poverty and are malnourished, and 4 million women and children experience severe daily hunger.
“The Taliban have used harassment, detention, sexual assault, and other forms of physical and psychological abuse to instill fear, obedience, and subjugation amongst Afghans,” said Natalie Gonnella-Platts, an author of the series and Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. “It’s clear the Taliban are incapable of reform. The international community must do more to hold them accountable.”
Certain foreign governments – led by Iran, China, and Russia – as well as multinational organizations, private sector entities, and financial institutions benefit from turning a blind eye and even participating in the Taliban’s corruption and kleptocracy. For example, two separate oil extraction awards involving partnerships with Chinese firms appear to have been made to companies directly linked to Taliban leaders and their cronies.
“Afghanistan has an estimated $1 trillion in natural resource reserves, to which the Taliban now control access,” said Jessica Ludwig, an author of the series and Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. “The Taliban’s mafia-like corruption must be curtailed to ensure the militant group lacks access to the resources they crave to entrench themselves deeper into power.”
Through primary research and in-depth interviews with dozens of Afghan experts and advocates, the authors of the series identified policy solutions to prevent the Taliban from accessing their assets.
The Taliban’s revenue streams are the biggest untapped pressure points that can be targeted with realistic and underutilized policy pathways, the authors note in the series. For example, the United States, its allies, and the international community should target illicit and corrupted cash flows that the Taliban abuse for personal gain.
Additionally, the report urges the United States and international community to formally designate the Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, update sanctions lists, and designate Afghanistan as a primary money laundering concern under the USA Patriot Act. This will discourage governments, companies, and financial institutions from conducting business with the Taliban.
“Taking these measures and many others will put the Taliban on the defensive and challenge their ability to continue looting the country,” said Albert Torres, an author of the series and Program Manager of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. “Failing to address the severity of the situation in Afghanistan would be a critical misstep.”
Learn more about the Captured State series:
The world cannot continue to neglect the intense suffering of the Afghan people. The country has once again become a haven for terrorism. Learn about the Taliban’s revenue streams, and untapped pressure points the international community can target.
Millions of families have been left without food, heating, and other essential items. The Taliban’s barbaric practices include gender-based violence, forced early marriage, and rapidly climbing child labor. Learn how the global community – in partnership with courageous Afghan advocates – can change the tragic state of affairs.
Foreign countries, financial institutions, and others are taking advantage of the instability in Afghanistan to further their own interests. Learn what policy priorities the international community can take to discourage other governments and companies from exploiting the Afghan people.
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at www.bushcenter.org.
