Some claim the U.S. and Europe are still funding ISIS and Boko Haram — which makes about as much sense as blaming your neighbor for a house fire just because he once lent the matchbox. This post takes a sharp, sarcastic look at the facts behind the myth, with context, and a reminder to check before we share.

In Vanuatu social media circles, a claim has surfaced again, that the United States and Europe continue to fund terrorist groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and the Taliban. Some cite vague references to “Congressional reports” or Cold War history to justify these accusations.

But is there any truth to this today?

Where the Confusion Comes From

There’s some historical context behind this claim:

• In the 1980s, during the Cold War, the U.S. supported Afghan mujahideen fighters to resist the Soviet Union. Some of those fighters later became part of groups like al-Qaeda.
• The West has also historically backed dictators and groups that later became threats to global peace.

But these past mistakes do not mean the West is actively funding those same groups today.

The Truth in 2025: No, the West Does Not Fund Terrorists

Today, the U.S., European Union, and their allies are actively fighting the very groups mentioned in the claims:

• ISIS: The U.S.-led coalition defeated the ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq. It continues counterterrorism operations against ISIS remnants.
• Boko Haram: The U.S. provides funding and training to African nations (like Nigeria and Niger) to help fight Boko Haram — not support it.
• Taliban: The U.S. ended its war in Afghanistan in 2021 but does not support the Taliban. Sanctions are still in place, and international aid to Afghans bypasses Taliban leadership.
• Al-Qaeda: Ongoing drone strikes and intelligence operations still target al-Qaeda cells in Yemen, Syria, and Africa.

These are not secret operations — they are public, well-documented counterterrorism campaigns.

Where Did This Disinformation Come From?

Most of these claims spread from:

• Russian or Iranian state media outlets, trying to damage the image of the West
• Selective quoting of outdated U.S. documents without full context
• Social media posts that go viral without being fact-checked

Disinformation works by mixing a little truth with a lot of distortion.

Why It Matters for Vanuatu

We must understand that our country’s peace and economy rely heavily on stable global partnerships. Spreading unverified claims weakens public trust, divides communities, and fuels resentment based on falsehoods.

If we want to speak truth to power, we need to hold all sides accountable — including Iran, Russia, China, and the West — not blindly pick one side based on past grievances.

Final Word

It’s okay to question Western policies — in fact, it’s necessary. But let’s not fall into the trap of repeating disinformation that is meant to provoke and destabilize, not educate or inform.

Instead of asking, “Who created terrorism?” — a better question is:
Who is still funding and protecting terrorist actions today?

The answer isn’t always who we think.

Until then — think before you share. Misinformation is cheap. Truth takes effort.