How resettling its refugees might help Afghanistan's future
Migrants build trade ties and send back both cash and knowledge
Read the full article at The Washington Post
With the Taliban taking over Afghanistan, many Afghans are seeking refuge and protection elsewhere — prompting a debate over whether more developed countries should welcome them. Some commentators have argued that the United States has a moral obligation to help Afghans who assisted American efforts in Afghanistan over the past 20 years. Others emphasize that Afghan refugee resettlement could bring benefits to host communities. Opponents of resettlement fear that Afghan refugees pose a security threat, while others voice concerns that refugee resettlement will change America’s demographics and politics.
Policymakers may wish to consider how these departures could affect those who remain behind.
In the short term, if large numbers of Afghans leave the country, it’s likely to destabilize the country. Many seeking to leave have professional knowledge, experience and expertise running hospitals, schools, businesses with ties to the West, and other institutions providing essential services. But there’s another consideration: In the long run, resettling Afghan refugees could help not only their new host countries but also the people who remain in Afghanistan.
