Economist Podcasts No-sanctuary cities: the Taliban’s latest surge
Aug 2, 2021
Edward McBride, The Economist's deputy foreign editor, and Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, dive deep into the Taliban's alarming resurgence in Afghanistan as American forces pull out. They explore the perilous situation of Afghan cities, the impact on civilians, and the risk of oppressive rule returning. Meanwhile, Charlie discusses recent racial tensions in Singapore that starkly contrast the city's long-standing image of harmony, revealing how societal inequalities persist beneath the surface, along with the fading popularity of chewing gum in today's culture.
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Afghan Resistance
- With American forces almost entirely withdrawn, the remaining resistance against the Taliban includes the Afghan Air Force and special forces.
- While the Afghan Air Force is not as strong as the US Air Force, the battle-hardened special forces play a critical role.
Taliban City Attacks
- The Taliban's attacks on cities like Kandahar, Herat, and Lashkar Gah aim for a symbolic victory.
- Even if they capture a city, holding it presents challenges due to potential airstrikes.
Civilian Casualties and Displacement
- The escalating fighting in Afghanistan has caused a dramatic increase in civilian casualties, according to UN reports.
- This has led to mass displacement, with people fleeing to safer cities within Afghanistan or seeking refuge in neighboring countries.