Taliban discloses plans for former American military installations

(RT) ⸻ Afghanistan's fledgling Taliban leadership is set to use military bases abandoned by the US during its 2021 withdrawal from the country as 'special economic zones' for businesses as part of a drive to support economic self-sufficiency. Acting deputy prime minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said the Ministry of Industry and Commerce should take control of the remaining military bases of the foreign forces with the intention of converting them into special economic zones. Aid agencies have warned of a potentially severe humanitarian crisis as Afghanistan's economy struggles under Taliban rule. However, the World Bank recently delivered a better-than-expected appraisal of Afghanistan's fiscal affairs, saying high exports and a stable exchange rate had been noted. The Taliban say they remain committed to boosting its economy through trade and investment, but foreign investors are anxious at the idea of establishing trade relationships after a series of attacks in the country.