This podcast episode delves into the complexities of the current socio-economic landscape in Afghanistan, revealing how international sanctions and the Taliban's oppressive policies disproportionately affect Afghan women. Experts Graeme Smith, Orzala Nemet, and Javid Ahmad discuss the debilitating economic impact of sanctions, the authoritarian rule imposed by the Taliban’s supreme leader, and the regime’s strained diplomatic relations despite ongoing international engagement. The discussion underscores a grim reality faced by Afghan women, who are not only battling the repercussions of a failing economy but are also subject to relentless social restrictions while the Taliban navigate a precarious position on the global stage.