The Intelligence from The Economist Nothing to break the fall: Afghanistan
Aug 16, 2021
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, and Brooke Unger, International correspondent, tackle the dramatic fall of Kabul and the aftermath of the Taliban's return to power, with a spotlight on the implications for education and women's rights. They also discuss the global shift towards life sentences as an alternative to capital punishment, examining the humanitarian debates surrounding this trend. Joshi shares insights on Afghanistan's evolving international relations, while Unger highlights the intricacies of justice and prison reform.
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Rapid Collapse of Afghan Government
- The Afghan government collapsed rapidly due to negotiated surrenders, not solely fighting.
- This demoralized other units, creating a cascading effect.
Public Opinion and Taliban Welcome
- Public opinion of the Afghan government was low due to corruption and division.
- Some welcomed the Taliban, while others felt the government wasn't worth defending.
Critique of US Withdrawal Strategy
- Critics argue the US could have maintained a smaller presence with air support.
- Shashank Joshi believes the withdrawal was right but poorly executed.