Original version

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

The Real Story

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Politics

Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

The Real Story: Afghanistan's challenges after US withdrawal

Factual

Taliban 1.jpg

01/07/2022 GMT

Afghanistan's challenges after US withdrawal

BBC World Service - The Real Story, Afghanistan's challenges after US withdrawal

Should the West work with the Taliban to help the Afghan people?

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake last week in Afghanistan destroyed hundreds of homes and left around 1,000 people dead - including at least 155 children. The country, now ruled by the Taliban, was already struggling to feed and provide health services to its people just 10 months after the United States and its allies completed their hasty withdrawal. The UN says millions are going hungry and the hospital system is on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile the Taliban are subject to global sanctions and Afghan central bank reserves remain frozen after the fall of the Western-backed government. The Taliban’s decision in March to bar teenage girls from schools has divided opinion in the group and created headaches for organisations keen to work more closely with the Afghan government in order to improve the lives of citizens. So, is it possible to help the people of Afghanistan without helping the Taliban? Or is that approach wrong and should donors and governments just work alongside them?

Owen Bennett-Jones is joined by a panel of expert guests.
Producers: Ellen Otzen and Paul Schuster.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Real Story

Afghanistan's challenges after US withdrawal

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service