Economist Podcasts Withdrawal symptoms: Afghanistan goes hungry
Feb 11, 2022
Ben Farmer, who reports on Afghanistan and Pakistan, joins Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, and Simon Willis from 1843 to discuss Afghanistan's dire humanitarian crisis post-U.S. withdrawal. The conversations highlight the heartbreaking choices families are facing, such as selling children to survive. They also touch on the environmental issues of artificial snow for the Winter Olympics and the innovative solutions proposed by a snow consultant. Additionally, they remember Lata Mangeshkar, a beloved icon of Indian music.
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Afghanistan's Dire Situation
- The Taliban takeover has severely impacted Afghanistan, halting the economy and government.
- Over half the population faces starvation, forcing desperate measures like selling organs and children.
Desperate Measures
- People are selling their organs, including kidneys, for a few thousand dollars due to dire economic conditions.
- Some families are also selling their children, especially daughters for marriage, to survive.
Economic Collapse
- Afghanistan's reliance on foreign aid, which made up 75% of the government budget, led to economic collapse after the Taliban takeover.
- Sanctions and the halted aid have paralyzed the banking system, leaving many without income.