I presented credentials to President Ghani… It is an ancient ritual, but still central to what an ambassador is and does…The letter of credence is handed over in person to the Head of State. Diplomacy depends on personal contact, as much personal trust as you can build with the people you are dealing with, and…

There was growing concern about Taliban military gains in the provinces. The Taliban were blocking Afghanistan’s road network and progressively isolating regional capitals. The government’s response was ineffective; its military were running short of serviceable helicopters and were putting too much of their effort into maintaining checkpoints and positions of questionable value, soaking up people…

My first meeting with a senior government official took place within two days of my arrival. Still in Covid quarantine, I dialled into a video conference between President Ghani’s National Security Adviser Hamidullah Mohib, and a group of ambassadors from the major donor countries. The subject was Women, Peace and Security, a theme of UN-sponsored development work.…