Ben Farmer, a journalist specializing in Afghanistan and Pakistan, shares first-hand insights from Kabul, while Tom Wainwright, Media editor, discusses the dynamics of the media industry. They dive into the chaos of Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal, drawing comparisons to historical conflicts and the rise of civilian militias. The conversation shifts to the 'attention recession' in media consumption post-pandemic, examining how habits are evolving. They even touch on the curious world of thoroughbred horse breeding and its genetic challenges.
Passport queues are lengthening; ad-hoc civilian militias are strengthening. As foreign powers bow out, Taliban militants take district after district—and the fear of the people is palpable. The pandemic drove a boom in the attention economy, and media companies happily obliged. Now, it seems, an “attention recession” looms. And a look at the thoroughly inbred nature of thoroughbred horses.