Ben Farmer

In this engaging discussion, Ben Farmer, a seasoned journalist covering Pakistan and Afghanistan for The Economist, delves into Pakistan's political turmoil following Imran Khan's ousting. He emphasizes the struggle between public opinion and economic necessities, revealing Khan's tactical exploitation of discontent. Farmer also sheds light on global food security issues related to Ukraine's seed bank and explores the cultural richness of familial language across various cultures, connecting these themes to the ongoing crises.

Ben Farmer, a journalist focused on Afghanistan, provides a stark analysis of the humanitarian crisis, revealing desperate measures Afghans take to survive, including selling organs and children. Simon Willis discusses an innovative snow recycling method in response to the environmental challenges facing the Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on the life of Lata Mangeshkar, highlighting her role in shaping modern Indian music. Together, these topics weave a narrative of crisis, innovation, and remembrance.

Ben Farmer, who reports on Afghanistan and Pakistan, joins Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, and Simon Willis from 1843 to discuss Afghanistan's dire humanitarian crisis post-U.S. withdrawal. The conversations highlight the heartbreaking choices families are facing, such as selling children to survive. They also touch on the environmental issues of artificial snow for the Winter Olympics and the innovative solutions proposed by a snow consultant. Additionally, they remember Lata Mangeshkar, a beloved icon of Indian music.

Ben Farmer, a journalist focused on Afghanistan for The Economist, shares insights into the humanitarian crisis gripping the country after the Taliban's takeover. He discusses deepening poverty and critical food shortages as winter approaches. Tim Cross, the tech editor, adds a lighter note, exploring Apple's recent legal battles and implications for its app ecosystem. They also highlight oversight failures in pollution monitoring, revealing how it affects public health. Together, they navigate these pressing global issues with a mix of gravity and intrigue.

Ben Farmer, The Economist's correspondent covering Afghanistan, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis following the Taliban’s takeover. He discusses the devastating impact of economic collapse and the halt of international aid on millions of Afghans. Tim Cross, Technology editor, analyzes the high-profile legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, highlighting the implications of the court’s ruling for market competition. Additionally, they touch on how lax pollution monitoring in the U.S. poses health risks, raising concerns over environmental regulations.

Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter from The Economist focusing on Afghanistan, shares insights on the chaos following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban's ominous resurgence. He paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding as panic grips the Afghan population. Tom Wainwright, the media editor, discusses the looming 'attention recession' post-pandemic, highlighting shifts in media consumption and the challenges facing businesses in a rapidly changing landscape. They also touch on the curious inbreeding issues with thoroughbred horses.

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.

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.

Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter for The Economist based in Islamabad, shares his insights on the fallout from the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. He discusses the chaos as Afghan forces face escalating Taliban offensives, drawing parallels to the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. The mood among the Afghan populace is grim as they grapple with political turmoil and instability. Farmer also touches on the intersection of tradition and modernity in wedding customs across the globe, highlighting changing attitudes and the role of government in managing cultural practices.

Ben Farmer, a journalist specializing in Afghanistan for The Economist, teams up with Wendelin von Bredow, the European business and finance correspondent based in Berlin. They dive into the complexities of the Afghan-Taliban peace negotiations, highlighting the challenges of a U.S. withdrawal agreement and ongoing violence. The discussion also covers Wirecard's dramatic fall from grace amid a massive fraud scandal, and how national football victories can temporarily unify a nation, as seen in the Ivory Coast.