

Boots off the ground: America’s Afghanistan drawdown
Apr 15, 2021
Daniel Knowles, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses the precarious aftermath of America's troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications for stability and women's rights. Katrine Braik, the environment editor, highlights the urgent need to address methane emissions, revealing they've been underestimated in major cities and are critical to combating climate change. Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, shares insights into Bhutan's remarkable COVID-19 vaccination campaign, showcasing its cultural significance amid wider global challenges.
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Biden's Afghanistan Stance
- Joe Biden has long been skeptical of America's involvement in Afghanistan, advocating for troop withdrawal in 2009.
- His current withdrawal plan aligns with his long-held views and campaign promises, despite military advice.
Biden vs Trump Plans
- Biden's plan largely continues Trump's withdrawal policy, despite the Taliban not fully upholding the 2020 peace deal.
- The deal involved troop withdrawal in exchange for Taliban cooperation, which has been incomplete.
Risks of Withdrawal
- The withdrawal of US troops risks escalating violence and a potential civil war in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban's increasing pressure and the government's fragile control raise concerns about a return to the instability of the 1990s.