Economist Podcasts Leave in peace: Afghan-Taliban negotiations
Jun 24, 2020
Ben Farmer, a keen observer of Afghanistan's evolving landscape, speaks with Wendelin von Bredow, The Economist's European finance expert. They dive into the budding peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, revealing the challenges of a potential prisoner swap and the looming fears over rights erosion. Transitioning to Europe, the duo uncovers the shocking Wirecard scandal, detailing the complexities of fraud in the financial sector. They also explore how African football triumphs can unify nations amid conflict, revealing sport's power in societal healing.
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Prisoner Swap Stalemate
- The Afghan government and the Taliban are set to begin peace talks, but a prisoner swap has been a major obstacle.
- The Afghan government is reluctant to release all Taliban prisoners, viewing them as a bargaining chip.
Violence as Leverage
- The Taliban's violence is their primary leverage in negotiations.
- They are reluctant to reduce violence, as it brought them to the negotiating table in the first place.
US Withdrawal Uncertainty
- The US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan is tied to the peace talks, but the conditions are vague.
- The US presidential election may significantly influence the withdrawal timeline, regardless of the talks' progress.