Originally broadcast 13/2/22

Upon the Taliban's recapture of Afghanistan in 2021, foreign aid collapsed and the United States government froze the entire financial reserves of the state of Afghanistan. Facing potential humanitarian catastrophe, the state and people of Afghanistan now have little funds to purchase vital food and medical resources.

Journalist and historian Vijay Prashad recounts how the previous U.S. war and occupation led to the dire state of the country today, and unpacks the cruelty of sanctions and financial warfare upon regular civilians.

For further reading on this topic:

Humanitarian crisis worsens in Afghanistan after five months of economic sanctions

Biden Moves to Use Frozen Afghan Funds to pay victims of 9/11 attacks

The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power - by Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad

Sunday Dispatch is recorded the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded, this always was, and always will be Aboriginal land.

Graphic Design: Karina Aslikyan

Intro Theme: Sophie Gordon

Intro Music: Talk Talk – Ascension Day

Outro Music: The Pop Group - Feed the Hungry