Afghanistan, home to a population of approximately 30 million, has experienced very harsh conditions. In a place that has witnessed terrible incidents due to Taliban invasions, constant warfare and violence, Afghanistan can seem hopeless. People, especially women and children, were deprived of education and basic rights. As a result, there was a major collapse in the economy. Now Afghanistan continues to struggle with the ruins of its homeland. The countries banded together and began providing aid in hopes of restoring Afghanistan. Since 2002, the United States alone has sent approximately $100 billion in aid (Seigel 1). However, the fundamental question is: is it worth it? Is it worth sending billions of dollars to a government that doesn't know how a third of humanitarian aid has been spent since 2001 (Waldman 5)? Is it worth sending money when it has been confirmed that $1 billion of the $8 billion donated in the last year was lost due to corruption (Labelle 1)? Because of corruption, the United States should reduce the amount of aid given to Afghanistan and prevent waste and abuse. However, there is a possible downside to reducing aid distribution. Conversely, if the United States drastically reduces aid, Afghanistan could return to dependence on the Taliban. Initially, the Taliban came to power because they exploited Afghanistan's vulnerability to their advantage after Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union. Afghanistan may be going through a relapse and another Taliban era if aid is no longer provided. If the Taliban regains control of Afghanistan, which is very likely given that the government already has Taliban officials, Afghanistan will suffer a lot and around… middle of paper… 13, the United States has spent about 54 dollars billion dollars for finance the security forces in Afghanistan and 92 billion dollars for reconstruction, agriculture and other development projects” (Labelle 2). If a third – around 49 billion – is lost to corruption, then why continue to donate so much? The Taliban managed to reach high positions through corruption. Agencies have attempted interventions which have failed due to the low level of literacy of the Afghan population. Furthermore, the Taliban puts the safety of anyone who opposes their commands at risk. "Corruption is the enemy of development and good governance. It must be eliminated. Both the government and the people must unite to achieve this national goal" (Pratibha Patel). Corruption is the root of Afghanistan's suffering. At the moment, no amount of money can fix the pain of this country; it is in the hands of its people.