The Intelligence from The Economist Poorer, hungrier, safer? Afghanistan one year on
Aug 15, 2022
Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent covering Afghanistan, and Arjun Ramani, a business and economics expert on tech and defense, dive into the current state of Afghanistan one year after the Taliban's return. They discuss the alarming regression of women’s rights and press freedom, juxtaposed with surprising rural stability. Ramani explores the burgeoning connection between Silicon Valley and the defense sector, revealing how tech is reshaping military capabilities in the face of geopolitical challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Afghanistan One Year Later
- The Taliban's swift takeover in Afghanistan has worsened conditions for many, especially women.
- However, some rural Afghans, particularly in former conflict zones, experience improved security under Taliban rule.
Economic Crisis in Afghanistan
- The World Bank estimates Afghanistan's output shrank by a third after the Taliban takeover.
- Inflation is soaring, poverty is widespread, and food insecurity affects 95% of families.
Women's Rights in Afghanistan
- Women's freedoms are being severely restricted in Afghanistan; many educated women are now jobless and confined to their homes.
- The Taliban's backtracking on girls' education and stricter rules for women are causing fear and hardship.
