Anya Shortland, an economist focused on criminal markets, is joined by Gretchen Peters, an expert on illicit networks in conflict zones, and Steve Yon, a construction superintendent with extensive experience in Afghanistan. They discuss the heartbreaking implications of U.S. companies paying the Taliban for protection, which inadvertently funds attacks on soldiers. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas of reconstruction efforts, the challenges of navigating local economies, and the emotional toll on families affected by the ongoing conflict.
