Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government. Andrew Mueller explains why. 

Russia has become the first country to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan&rsquo;s government. Andrew Mueller explains why.&nbsp;

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards. 

​Presented by ​Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features​ expert guests ​and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.

The Foreign Desk

Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?

As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos – or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?

As President Trump completes the first year of his second term, we take stock. Is there a plan underpinning the chaos &ndash; or is chaos the plan? And what will the next three years hold?

Trump: One down, three to go... (in theory)

Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?

Only Malaysia and Indonesia have threatened a ban on X unless its AI assistant, Grok, stops producing sexually explicit content. Why is the rest of the world staying silent?

Explainer 500: Why are Malaysia and Indonesia alone in taking on Grok?

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.

Andrew Mueller and our expert panel discuss the key issues to keep an eye on in 2026.

Explainer 475: Why has Russia recognised the Taliban?

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