Staff Reports
In a latest development, the broken $320 million pier off the coast of Gaza has added to the list of costly mishaps under President Biden’s administration. The pier, intended for delivering aid, was damaged due to rough weather after less than two weeks of use. This has led to an additional financial burden on U.S. taxpayers for its repair costs, which are yet to be disclosed.
Apart from the monetary cost, three U.S. Marines involved in the mission suffered non-combat injuries. The aid brought to Gaza through the pier, totaling over 1,000 metric tons of food, had to be distributed by trucks before the pier was shut down. While exact figures are not available, estimates suggest the cost could be around $2.5 million.
The costs of industrial and military equipment abandoned by the U.S. in other nations, money has also been spent on additional troops and supplies. The high cost of Biden's global humanitarian, military and strategic failures is adding up https://t.co/c0cLJKyM7k via @JustTheNews
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Although criticized by experts and facing challenges like food theft by Hamas terrorists, the U.S. has also conducted costly airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The airdrops, costing around $16,000 per ton, have accumulated expenses of over $17.7 million. Despite criticisms, the U.S. is likely to continue providing aid to Gaza, with the latest aid package allocating over $9 billion for humanitarian purposes.
Similarly, the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw more than 1,000 U.S. military personnel from Niger has raised concerns. The troops stationed at Niger Air Base 201 for counterterrorism operations will be leaving by September, with the base estimated to have cost about $110 million to build. Criticism arose as whistleblower reports indicated lack of basic necessities for troops at the base, amidst rising presence of other global powers in the region.
The article also highlights the significant financial expenditure in countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria over the past two decades. The U.S. has spent trillions in these regions, with concerns raised over unaccounted spending and equipment left behind in the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ongoing debate over supplying aid to Afghanistan, the effectiveness of military aid expenditures, and the political and diplomatic implications of these actions remain key points of discussion.
Editorial Opinion: The increasing cost of failed military and humanitarian actions under President Biden’s administration raises concerns about accountability and strategic decision-making. The significant financial burdens on U.S. taxpayers, coupled with challenges in aid distribution and troop welfare, highlight the need for more transparent and efficient policies in handling global crises. Addressing these issues will be crucial for future administrations in maintaining a balanced approach to international affairs.
