Congress is allowing the Pentagon to spend up to $15 million this year for logistical support for peace talks in Afghanistan, and lawmakers have tried hard to ensure the money does not effectively benefit the Taliban.

But the Pentagon, in requesting the money earlier this year, said it is "likely" some of the funds will at least indirectly help the Taliban, and the authors of the new defense authorization measure had to explicitly exempt the proposed spending from laws that bar aid to terrorist groups.

CQ disclosed in May how the Pentagon had asked Congress for the money and statutory authority necessary to enable U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan to cover costs of possible local peace talks – for security, transportation, lodging, food, supplies, communications and other services.

Some call the spending a small price to pay for bringing warring parties to the table after nearly 18 years of conflict.

Read More...