The new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan was sworn in Monday in Kabul.

Ryan Crocker told diplomats at the ceremony that the United States is not rushing to leave Afghanistan. The new envoy also said the U.S. has no interest in permanent military bases within Afghanistan. Crocker said that even after U.S. forces depart, he is confident the international community will be able to work with the Afghan government to prevent any forcible return to power of the Taliban.

The Washington Post newspaper reported in Sunday's edition money from a multi-billion dollar U.S. transportation contract has made its way into the coffers of the Taliban. The report said four of the eight companies given contracts were found to have involvement in criminal enterprises or support for the enemy.

Investigators found that in one case intelligence officials had traced more than three million dollars into the hands of the insurgents in the form of weapons, explosives or cash.

In military actions Monday NATO said one of its helicopters crashed in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed to have shot down the aircraft as coalition troops were preparing to attack militants. NATO says the crew and passengers were safely removed to a nearby base.