As the Taliban consolidates its rule over Afghanistan, the group seeks to maintain relations with external actors to avoid international isolation. The United Arab Emirates’ new role in the country is a curious one, given its flexible and often ambiguous relationship with the militant group. In recent weeks, UAE officials have held a series of discussions with the group to discuss operating Kabul’s airport, which connects the country to the world, foreign Gulf-based diplomats told Reuters. Moreover, on 21 November, the UAE reopened its embassy in Afghanistan, which the Taliban praised as a sig…

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