The Intelligence from The Economist Leave them in no peace: America’s Afghan exit
Jul 5, 2021
Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter from The Economist focusing on Afghanistan, shares insights on the chaos following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban's ominous resurgence. He paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding as panic grips the Afghan population. Tom Wainwright, the media editor, discusses the looming 'attention recession' post-pandemic, highlighting shifts in media consumption and the challenges facing businesses in a rapidly changing landscape. They also touch on the curious inbreeding issues with thoroughbred horses.
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Taliban Resurgence
- The Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan mirrors the Soviet withdrawal in the 1980s.
- This raises fears of a return to Taliban control, Sharia law, and civilian militias fighting for peace.
Taliban Advance
- Ben Farmer reports from Kabul on the Taliban's unchecked advance, especially in the north.
- This fuels dread among Afghans as government forces surrender and cities face increasing pressure.
Swift Deterioration
- The Taliban's rapid capture of districts creates panic and alarm in Kabul and Washington.
- The swift deterioration of the security situation has surprised many.