Afghanistan Records Lowest Life Satisfaction Levels Ever Following U.S. Withdrawal
A recent study reveals that Afghanistan has recorded the lowest levels of life satisfaction in global history, post-U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover. Afghans reported an average life rating of 1.28 out of 10, with hope for the future even lower at 1.02. The research highlights significant distress among Afghans, particularly affecting women and rural dwellers, who may suffer more from heightened restrictions and resources scarcity.
Recent findings highlight a staggering decline in well-being among Afghans, marking some of the lowest life satisfaction levels recorded globally. This situation follows the American military withdrawal and the Taliban’s resurgence in 2022, with Afghans reporting an average life satisfaction score of only 1.28 on a scale from zero to ten—far below the global average of 5.48 noted in the Gallup World Poll.
Since the Taliban regained power, hope for a better future has also plummeted, dropping to 1.02 on the same scale when Afghans were questioned about their lives in five years. This is alarming and suggests a deep sense of despair in a country already ravaged by over two decades of conflict, which began post-9/11.
The long-standing war resulted in more than 165,000 Afghan deaths, with a similar number dying due to the lack of essential supplies, including food and medicine. Lead researcher Levi Stutzman from the University of Toronto remarked that in stark contrast to global norms, where people often expect improvement in their futures, Afghan responses reflect a tragic reality of profound distress.
“In Afghanistan, people have reported low life satisfaction and even lower hope, likely reflecting the harsh conditions they face,” Stutzman stated. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the plight of those who have been largely forgotten by the international community and media.
The study focuses on the significant impact life circumstances and structural factors like war have on well-being. Prior theories have often downplayed these elements, instead emphasizing factors like genetics or personal activities that influence happiness. Stutzman highlighted, “Our sense of well-being isn’t merely within our control; much of it is shaped by structural factors.”
The research involved analysis of face-to-face interviews conducted in three periods: prior to the U.S. military withdrawal in 2018 and 2019, during the withdrawal and initial Taliban takeover in 2021, and after the withdrawal concluded in 2022. Initial scores of life satisfaction were already concerning but saw a marked drop after the complete U.S. exit and Taliban rule consolidation.
By 2022, almost all Afghans rated their life satisfaction below five, with significant portions marking scores of zero or one. Particularly affected are women and those in rural areas; the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights have worsened conditions, compounded by a lack of resources in rural societies.
Moreover, the suffering of Afghans has not received adequate media attention since 2022, when chaos erupted at Kabul airport as countless citizens sought to escape an uncertain future. Dr. Felix Cheung, another co-author from the University of Toronto, stressed that even if the war has subsided, the problems remain far from solved. He noted that rebuilding requires substantial investment in essential services like healthcare and infrastructure, guided by sound evidence to support recovery efforts.
The recent study underscores a dire situation in Afghanistan, where life satisfaction and hope have hit historic lows in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s control. Afghans face not only a legacy of conflict but also restrictions on basic rights and resources, particularly affecting women and rural populations. Further, without substantial investment and international attention, the road to recovery remains daunting and prolonged, as the challenges facing this war-torn nation continue to unfold.
Original Source: www.lhindependent.com
