Defense One reports:
[https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2025/12/watchdogs-final-report-highlights-us-govs-148-billion-afghanistan-reconstruction-failure/409909/]
The $148 billion failure: Watchdog's final report excoriates America’s attempt to rebuild Afghanistan
More than $148 billion was spent by the U.S. government in its failed attempt to build a free Afghanistan, according to the final report by the official watchdog office, whose careful documentation of waste and fraud, and its warnings of Taliban resurgence, went largely unheeded.
For 17 years, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, tracked every dollar allocated to the country for security, development, and humanitarian aid. As early as 2012, the office saw signs that the U.S. government and military’s efforts were falling short.
Still, at least it's less than has been spent on supplying weapons to Ukraine in a misguided attempt to degrade and humble Russia.
No wonder the US fiscal deficit is measured in trillions.