Even though the Taliban are largely isolated from the West they have successfully established bilateral relations with regional powers Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways is set to launch direct flights to Kabul, becoming the latest