In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Ibraheem Bahiss, Crisis Group’s Afghanistan expert based in Kabul, to assess where the country stands nearly five years after the Taliban’s return to power. They discuss the improved security across much of Afghanistan, even as many remain uncertain about the durability of Taliban rule. They examine the Taliban’s sweeping restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, particularly education, work and public life, and how these have undercut efforts to normalise relations abroad. They also look at the poppy ban and how it has affected rural livelihoods and the drug trade and how the Taliban now generate revenue. They then turn to the sharply deteriorating relations with Pakistan over Islamabad’s accusations that the Taliban are sheltering militants conducting cross-border attacks, and the uncertain prospects for talks between Kabul and Islamabad. Finally, they discuss the Taliban’s engagement with regional powers and their recent outreach to Europe and where the country is headed under their rule.

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