Q+A: Aug 19

Q+A broadcasts a special Afghanistan discussion live from Melbourne with host David Speers.

On the panel is BBC anchor and Australian journalist Yalda Hakim who this week took a live call by Taliban leaders whilst on air.

She also presents the Foreign Correspondent episode at 8pm.

The Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan in just over a week. Deadly chaos at Kabul airport has erupted as locals attempt to flee the country, and Western countries scramble to evacuate their personnel. Scott Morrison has ordered a military evacuation for Australians and Afghans who once served in the ADF , but is it too late now to help those who assisted us for so many years?

The situation is particularly terrifying for women and children, with Taliban directives demanding lists of girls over the age of 15 for “marriage”. The gains for Afghan women made in education, political participation and employment are now under grave threat. With a major humanitarian disaster unfolding, should Australia immediately increase our uptake of Afghan refugees? And what did we actually achieve for the people of Afghanistan during the 20-year mission?

Joining David Speers on the panel:

Darren Chester -Nationals Member for Gippsland
Bob Carr- former Labor Foreign Minister
Yalda Hakim- Afghan Australian reporter and BBC host – live from London
Diana Sayed- CEO, Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
Daniel Keighran- Afghanistan veteran and VC recipient
Lydia Khalil – International security expert

8:30pm Thursday on ABC.