It's been five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan
Since then, the country has largely been at peace,
but it's a pretty grim kind of peace.
The economy is stagnant, millions face hunger,
and the Taliban regime has grown ever more hardline.
Not only are girls over 12 denied an education,
child marriage is now legal.
The world tries to ignore this country in the shadows.
Only Russia recognizes the Taliban.
European countries talk to them about sending back migrants,
but don't formally engage.
Is it time for this hypocrisy to end?
Five years after the fall of Kabul,
what's really going on inside Afghanistan?
And should Western countries engage with the Taliban?
I'm Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist's editor-in-chief.
Welcome back to The Insider.
Joining me in the studio is Chris Lockwood, our Asia editor.
Nice to see you, and Robert Guest, our deputy editor.
Very nice to see you too.