麻豆社

Several European countries are considering opening a joint diplomatic mission to Afghanistan, French President Emmanuel Macron has said. A number of issues had to be resolved - particularly security - for ambassadors to return, Mr Macron said, but he hoped a mission would open soon. Western ambassadors pulled out of Afghanistan after the Taliban retook power in August.

Several Taliban ministers are subject to US and UN sanctions. So is this a tacit recognition of the Taliban? A question the 麻豆社's Julian Marshall put to Sir William Patey, a former UK ambassador to Afghanistan.

Photo shows: France's President Macron in August 2021 Credit: Getty Images