The Intelligence from The Economist Withdrawal symptoms: America-Taliban talks
Aug 9, 2019
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, dives into the complex negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban, revealing the challenges of maintaining Afghan stability amidst troop withdrawals. He discusses the potential impact on women's rights and the verification of Taliban commitments. Natasha Loader, the health policy editor, highlights a groundbreaking typhoid vaccine that could save thousands of lives as antibiotic resistance rises. The conversation also touches on the intriguing economics of Scotland’s shortest flight, blending health and geopolitics.
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US-Taliban Negotiations
- America and the Taliban made progress on troop withdrawal and counterterrorism.
- Intra-Afghan talks, including the Afghan government, will be harder due to the Taliban's refusal to recognize them.
Taliban & Al-Qaeda
- The Taliban's commitment to severing ties with al-Qaeda is questioned due to their differing focuses.
- The Taliban are nationalist, while al-Qaeda is global, but their leadership structures intertwine through groups like the Haqqani Network.
Afghanistan Without US Troops
- The Afghan National Security Forces suffer significant casualties, losing about 50 people daily.
- A US troop withdrawal raises concerns about the Afghan state's stability and potential Taliban takeover, impacting women's rights and the political order.