Five years after seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have expanded their diplomatic and economic links with countries around the world, yet the government remains largely isolated because most nations refuse to formally recognize it over human rights abuses.
Taliban officials have also coordinated on security matters and promoted cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at boosting Afghanistan's fragile economy. The push for international engagement comes as Afghans are hit hard by cuts in foreign aid.
Despite these efforts, widespread refusal to grant formal recognition has left Afghanistan diplomatically and economically constrained, with rights concerns remaining a key obstacle to normalizing ties.