Sept. 5, 2012

John F. Sopko Visits Afghanistan August-September 2012

John F. Sopko meets with Ambassador James B. Cunningham at the U.S. Embassy-Kabul. (SIGAR photo)KABUL, Afghanistan - Special Inspector General For Afghanistan Reconstruction John F. Sopko recently concluded his inaugural visit to Afghanistan, where he toured SIGAR facilities and met with top U.S. and Coalition officials."This visit underscores my

July 25, 2012

John F. Sopko statement on Air Force decision to follow SIGAR recommendation to seek reimbursement of taxpayer funds

I’m pleased to report that the U.S. Air Force has agreed to follow SIGAR’s recommendation to seek reimbursement of $4.3 million in taxpayer funds used to repair a poorly constructed military training facility in Kabul. The Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment had initially rejected the recommendation, contained in an October 2011

July 9, 2012

John F. Sopko Presents Awards to SIGAR Staffers

It is a distinct privilege in my first week in this post to present the Global War on Terrorism medal to two members of the SIGAR family for distinguished service in Afghanistan.Gabriele A. Tonsil and Maria A. “Angie” Niblock each served two years in Afghanistan for SIGAR and their country – and I want each of you to know how very proud we are of

June 14, 2012

U.S. Reconstruction Funding for Afghanistan Approaching $100 Billion Since 2002

President's Budget Request a 34 Percent Reduction from FY 2012As reported by SIGAR in its latest Quarterly Report, as of March 31, 2012, cumulative appropriations for relief and reconstruction in Afghanistan totaled approximately $89.42 billion. The President has requested approximately $9.7 billion in additional funding for reconstruction programs

April 19, 2012

Acting IG Steven J. Trent Discusses SIGAR and Reconstruction Issues on Federal News Radio

April 3, 2012

SIGAR Focused on Corruption Threatening U.S. Reconstruction Dollars

Efforts Include Oversight of Programs to Track Dollars Entering Afghanistan, Bulk Currency Leaving Kabul International AirportAfghanistan is plagued by corruption, and is tied for third as the most-corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International's annual corruption perception index. Corruption threatens the U.S. military and

Feb. 21, 2012

SIGAR Monitors Economic Development in Afghanistan

New Freight Line to Uzbekistan First of Several Intended to Speed Afghan Goods to International MarketsIn addition to conducting audits and investigations, SIGAR monitors and chronicles broad trends within Afghanistan, including trade and economic development, and publishes them in the Quarterly Report to Congress.In the transportation sector,

Feb. 20, 2012

SIGAR Provides Crucial Oversight of Afghan National Security Forces

Building Capable Army and Police Forces is Essential to Afghanistan's FutureSince reconstruction began, Congress has appropriated nearly $50.6 billion to provide the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) with equipment, supplies, services, training, and facilities. This is roughly 60% percent of the funds set aside for the reconstruction