Today, Explained America has Afghanistan’s money
Aug 1, 2022
Ali Latifi, a journalist in Kabul, and Andres Arauz, an Ecuadorian politician and economist, dive into Afghanistan's dire economic situation post-Taliban takeover. They discuss the U.S. decision to freeze $7 billion in Afghan reserves and the heavy toll it's taking on the Afghan populace. Latifi shares harrowing personal stories of resilience amidst financial despair, while Arauz analyzes the complexities of providing funds without empowering the Taliban. Their insights shed light on the urgent humanitarian needs and the political intricacies at play.
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Desperate Measures
- Afghans are selling possessions, renting homes, and collecting cans to survive.
- Some resort to extreme measures like selling kidneys or donating blood for money.
Selling Children
- A father sold his daughter due to lack of food.
- Another family sold their young daughter to an old man for basic necessities.
Earthquake Exacerbates Crisis
- The earthquake in June worsened the crisis due to the Taliban's lack of disaster relief expertise.
- Despite billions in aid during the republic, corruption hindered effective aid distribution.