Ep 1. The Afghan Money Pit & The Pacification of Rio

In "The Afghan Money Pit & The Pacification of Rio", the first episode of Season 2 of Vice, the show examines two vastly different but equally complex issues: the American war in Afghanistan and the pacification efforts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

First, the episode delves into the nearly two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. The aptly titled "Afghan Money Pit" segment explores the astronomical amount of money that the United States has spent in the country since the war began in 2001. With the help of former military officials and scholars, Vice investigates the many layers of corruption that have plagued the American efforts in Afghanistan. From money being skimmed off the top by contractors to the lack of accountability for those in charge of the funds, the episode reveals just how little control the U.S. government has over how its money is being spent in the country. With over $2 trillion spent on the war in Afghanistan so far, Vice begs the question: is it worth it?

The second half of the episode takes viewers to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the government has been attempting to pacify the city's notorious favelas (slums) since 2008. The "Pacification of Rio" segment looks at the many challenges the government has faced in trying to take back control of these areas from drug gangs and organized crime. Through interviews with Rio residents, activists, and government officials, Vice explores the human cost of these efforts and their long-term impact on the city's poorest residents. The episode also examines the ongoing issue of police brutality in Rio, and how it has affected the already tense relationship between the favelas and the city's law enforcement.

Overall, "The Afghan Money Pit & The Pacification of Rio" is an in-depth and thought-provoking look at two of the most complex issues facing the world today. Through its detailed reporting and intimate interviews, Vice sheds light on the many layers of corruption, dysfunction, and violence that exist in both Afghanistan and Rio de Janeiro. But beyond mere expose, the show also offers a nuanced and informative perspective on what can be done to address these problems in the future.