Economist Podcasts Nothing to break the fall: Afghanistan
Aug 16, 2021
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, brings his expertise on Afghanistan's recent turmoil, shedding light on the chaotic fall of Kabul and the haunting specter of Taliban rule. Brooke Unger, an international correspondent, discusses the global shift from capital punishment to life sentences, exploring its societal implications and the stories of resilience from within prisons. Together, they also reflect on the unique Russian enclave in Uruguay, where traditions endure amidst change, highlighting the complex interplay of culture and modernity.
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Taliban's Swift Advance
- The Taliban's rapid takeover in Afghanistan wasn't primarily due to fighting.
- It was achieved through negotiated surrenders with officials, highlighting the Afghan government's weakness.
Bloodless Advance
- In Jalalabad, the Taliban entered without firing a shot after elders negotiated a surrender.
- A shopkeeper in Kandahar described hiding, then realizing the gunfire was celebratory, not combative.
Reasons for Surrender
- Some Afghans welcomed the Taliban due to ideological reasons, but others saw surrender as inevitable.
- The Afghan government's corruption and inability to pay soldiers led to a demoralizing cascade of surrenders.