Economist Podcasts An exit wounds: America’s Afghanistan retreat
Jun 10, 2021
Join Ben Farmer, an Afghanistan and Pakistan expert for The Economist, and Stephanie Studer, a China correspondent, as they delve into America's hasty troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and its repercussions on Taliban activity and Afghan forces. They explore chilling historical parallels and political challenges in Afghanistan. Additionally, the podcast touches on China's wedding traditions, examining how playful customs clash with government regulations. Plus, the guests discuss the complexities of memory in eyewitness testimony and its implications for justice.
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Soviet Withdrawal
- The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 is a key historical parallel to the current US withdrawal.
- The communist government the Soviets left behind lasted three years, exceeding expectations.
Afghan Military Strength
- The Afghan military is now a lightly armed counter-insurgency force, raising concerns about its strength.
- However, the Taliban are also considered weaker than the Mujahideen were 30 years ago.
US Support for Afghan Military
- The US will continue to provide financial backing to the Afghan military, including paying salaries.
- They're exploring options to maintain Afghan aircraft, which are crucial for their defense.