The world is learning to live with the Taliban

A s insurgents , the Taliban spent 20 years wearing down the world’s most powerful army. As diplomats they needed just four to break out of their international isolation. Since seizing power in August 2021, most countries have refused to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government, acknowledging them only as “de facto authorities”. That changed in July this year, when Russia officially recognised the group. The Taliban flag was raised at the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Moscow. Unofficially, other governments are following suit. On August 20th the Taliban hosted a trilateral meeting with China and Pakistan.