The Rachman Review

Afghanistan: a country on the edge

Oct 17, 2024

Saad Mohseni, chairman of Afghanistan’s largest television station and co-author of "Radio Free Afghanistan," and Fatima Gailani, women’s rights activist and peace negotiator, discuss Afghanistan's dire situation. They highlight the severe restrictions on women's rights and the hunger crisis facing the country. The conversation explores the paradox of economic indicators improving while the population struggles daily. They also address the complexities of international engagement and the need for a reevaluation of strategies towards the Taliban.

26:28

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Episode guests

Fatima Gailani

Saad Mohseni

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Taliban's rule has severely restricted women's rights and access to education, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

There is an urgent need for the international community to reassess its engagement strategies with Afghanistan to address ongoing humanitarian issues effectively.

Deep dives

The Current Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with half of the population lacking food security and significant portions unable to access clean water or adequate shelter. The Taliban's governance has resulted in economic stabilization, but the underlying humanitarian issues persist and have worsened due to ongoing sanctions. Many Afghans have been pushed back into the country from neighboring regions, compounding the crisis as the government struggles to provide for returnees. The need for international reassessment of approaches toward Afghanistan is pressing, as the current strategies have failed to alleviate suffering or foster positive change.

Intro

1min

The State of Afghanistan: Economic Stability Amid Humanitarian Crisis

2min

Women’s Rights Under Taliban Rule

10min

Afghanistan's Economic Paradox

5min

Shifting Dynamics: Pakistan and Afghanistan Post-Taliban Rise

6min

Navigating Afghanistan's Geopolitical Landscape

3min

After three years of sanctions, women's lives in Afghanistan are highly restricted and hunger is widespread. So if sanctions have failed, is it time for the outside world to change its approach and re-engage with the country's Taliban rulers? Gideon discusses this question with Saad Mohseni, chair of Afghanistan’s largest television station and co-author of a new book Radio Free Afghanistan, and Afghan women's rights activist Fatima Gailani. Clip: CBS News

Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachman

Free links to read more on this topic:

Leaving Kabul: what happened when the Taliban returned

Taliban’s closer ties with UAE signal global divide over Afghan regime

How the Taliban’s return made Afghanistan a hub for global jihadis

Singer Elaha Soroor on her anthem for Afghan women

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Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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