Afghanistan Inquiry: Why has a probe been launched and what will it involve?
IndependentDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Afghanistan's interior ministry said Monday that at least six civilians have been killed in a blast at a security checkpoint near the country's foreign ministry in a busy downtown area in Kabul during lunch hour.
In addition, at least 12 people — including one child — have been injured, according to the Italian international humanitarian organization EMERGENCY. Kabul police confirmed that three security personnel were among those wounded.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This suicide attack in Afghanistan is just the latest example of how the "emirate" is drifting into chaos and lawlessness since the West's withdrawal. This is compounded by economic collapse and an acute food crisis. But even in combat, the Taliban are failing. The ruthless rampage of the IS-K bears is a prime example of this. The US must prepare for an increasing threat to its security interests.
Establishment-critical narrative
Afghanistan only makes the headlines when it comes to violence. More attention must be paid to the country's humanitarian catastrophe and underlying stressors. Due to the dire economic situation, 22.8M Afghans face acute food insecurity, and 3M children are at risk of malnutrition. The West contributes to this by, for example, not releasing Afghanistan's frozen reserve funds. This is overt moral bankruptcy.
Metaculus Prediction
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