Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: The West Should Work With the Taliban
Jan 30, 2022
Shabnam Nasimi, a Policy Advisor to the UK Minister of Afghan Resettlement and Director of Afghan Witness, joins Christina Lamb OBE, a seasoned foreign correspondent. They tackle the complex question of Western engagement with the Taliban. Discussing the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, they emphasize the urgent need for aid amidst severe economic hardships. The conversation also explores the internal divisions within the Taliban and the ethical implications of providing support while avoiding formal recognition of the regime.
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Afghanistan's Decline
- Christina Lamb describes Afghanistan's rapid decline after the Taliban takeover.
- She recounts a cafe owner's lament: "It was as if somebody had switched the TV screen off."
Economic Crisis
- Afghanistan's economic crisis worsened after the Taliban takeover, with banks closing and aid disappearing.
- People resorted to selling possessions due to lack of money and unpaid wages.
Taliban's Origins
- The Taliban emerged after the Russian withdrawal from Afghanistan, initially promising law and order.
- They gained support from those tired of warlord chaos and fighting.
