A Space program titled “Handing Over Embassies to the Taliban: Diplomacy or Legitimization of Criminals?” was hosted by the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement. The event brought together political activists, human rights defenders, journalists, civil society figures, and Afghan women activists residing in various countries, who examined this decision from multiple perspectives.
At the outset, Ms. Hoda Khamosh, the founder of the Afghan Women’s Justice Movement, expressed deep concern over the creeping trend of legitimizing the Taliban through the transfer of diplomatic representations. She stated, “Granting Afghanistan’s embassies to the Taliban, particularly in European countries like Germany, equates to disregarding the group’s crimes and systematic violations of human rights.” She added, “If the Taliban are legitimized today, tomorrow, murderers and violators of women’s rights will be awarded peace prizes.”
According to Ms. Lisa Surush, a Researcher in Conflict Management and Resolution, what Germany has described as “accepting the Taliban’s consular activities” does not, in any way, constitute formal recognition of the Taliban regime. The official website of the German government emphasizes that this decision is solely aimed at facilitating consular services, such as issuing passports and visas. However, Ms. Surush warns that the establishment of Taliban consular offices in various countries could be seen as an initial step toward normalizing diplomatic relations with the group, ultimately leading to their legitimization.amnesty.org
Citing recent analyses by General Douglas on YouTube regarding Germany-Russia relations, she argues that Germany’s growing proximity to Russia—now a political supporter of the Taliban—is part of a troubling trend that could strengthen the Taliban’s position on the international stage.
Ms. Surush highlights three key concerns:
1. Consular Facade, Migration Core: On the surface, this decision is limited to consular matters, but at its core, it is tied to migration issues and access to identity documents like passports.
2. Alignment with Taliban Supporters: Germany’s expanding relations with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran—all political allies of the Taliban—are alarming.
3. Whitewashing Crimes: Current engagements risk being interpreted as efforts to normalize the Taliban’s atrocities on the global stage.
She stresses that any normalization of relations with the Taliban is tantamount to normalizing crime, posing a serious threat not only to the Afghan people but also to the conscience of the global community.
To counter this trend, Ms. Surush proposes two concrete solutions:
1. Establish an Independent Legal Framework: Germany should sever consular ties with the Taliban and, instead of delegating passport issuance to the group, create a legal, migration-focused mechanism to provide valid travel documents to Afghan refugees.
2. Humane Deportation Solutions: In the context of forced returns, organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) can offer more humane alternatives.
Reflecting on the past, she adds, “Over the past twenty years, the leaders of the Republic did not dedicate even an hour to defending women’s rights. We must not repeat failed experiments. We can maintain our relations with the world without abandoning our resistance.”
Sima Noori’s Perspective: Economic and Security Interests Take Precedence
Ms. Sima Noori, a women’s rights activist, believes Germany’s engagement with the Taliban can be analyzed through the lens of economic, security, and intelligence interests. She notes that Germany, as a NATO member, still maintains strategic bases in Afghanistan, which it seeks to preserve. According to Noori, the new German government’s “middle path” policy of quiet engagement with former adversaries will weaken Afghan civil society and the status of Afghan migrants in Germany. This approach also sends a dangerous message to authoritarian regimes worldwide: violence can be legitimized.nato.int
Noori proposes three countermeasures:
1. Public Campaigns: Launching public campaigns to raise awareness among German civil society activists about the consequences of engaging with the Taliban.
2. Lobbying and Reporting: Submitting documented reports on the impacts of this engagement to German political parties, embassies, and international organizations, while expanding legal and advocacy efforts.
3. Critiquing Double Standards: A country that claims to defend democracy cannot support women’s rights one day and engage with their oppressors the next.
Shukria Barakzai Analysis: Diplomacy in a New Era
Ms. Shukria Barakzai, former Afghan Ambassador to Norway, emphasizes the evolving nature of diplomacy in today’s world, stating, “By seizing power, the Taliban have effectively taken control of all foreign representations. This should not be mistaken for a diplomatic achievement.” She references a September 2024 European Parliament resolution that cautioned member states against hasty engagement with the Taliban.amnesty.org
Barakzai suggests expanding civil protests in European countries and prioritizing direct engagement with institutions like the European Parliament as a collective authority. Additionally, severing ties with Taliban-controlled embassies and organizing protests in front of these representations would be effective steps.
Dr. Bariz’s Perspective: De Facto Recognition of the Taliban
Dr. Aziz Bariz, referencing longstanding intelligence ties between Germany and the Taliban, notes that the Taliban proposed their Foreign Ministry spokesperson as ambassador and Mr. Shahin’s son as consular officer in Germany. However, Germany rejected these requests, limiting acceptance to low-level technical staff.
Nevertheless, he warns that even this limited acceptance constitutes a de facto recognition of the Taliban, paving the way for their full legitimization. Dr. Bariz calls on the Afghan community to write protest letters to the European Union and influential European figures and to collect petitions to oppose this trend.
Lina Rozbih’s Pragmatic View
Ms. Lina Rozbih, a poet and writer, adopts a realistic perspective, stating, “We have no control over Germany’s decisions. Western countries pursue their own interests, and Afghanistan is not their priority.” She cites a U.S. diplomat who, after discussions with Afghan ethnic and political leaders, noted the absence of a cohesive national plan. Rozbih believes the lack of national unity was a key reason for the Republic’s failure.
She emphasizes, “We should not pin our hopes on burned-out figures. Over the past twenty years, they fostered corruption and discrimination instead of service. It is time for new leadership to emerge from diverse ethnic groups.”
Ruhullah and Ismail’s Views: Self-Criticism and National Cohesion
Ruhullah stresses the need for self-criticism, saying, “Before criticizing others, we must critique ourselves. The absence of a clear definition of national interests is a root cause of the current situation.”
Ismail adds that the Taliban are not merely a group but an ideology and culture rooted in society. He laments that even some of their opponents lack the necessary cohesion.
Mawloda Tawana Warning: Sustained Protests
Ms. Mawloda Tawana insists that the acceptance of Taliban diplomats should not be taken lightly. She calls for sustained protests, online campaigns, targeted hashtags, and continuous pressure on Germany to recognize that engaging with the Taliban contradicts the human, civil, and legal values of the Afghan people.
Conclusion
This report compiles diverse perspectives, revealing deep concerns about Germany’s engagement with the Taliban. While some view it as a consular necessity, others see it as a dangerous step toward legitimizing the group. Proposed solutions—from establishing independent legal frameworks to expanding civil protests and international advocacy—underscore the need to resist the normalization of relations with the Taliban. This report can serve as a foundation for political discussions, civil campaigns, or legal actions on a global scale.
At the program’s conclusion, participants called for coordinated and strategic campaigns to protest this decision, emphasizing the Afghan diaspora’s critical role in exposing the dangers of legitimizing the Taliban. The Afghan Women’s Justice Movement issued a statement at the end of the program, declaring, “We view this action by the German government as a dangerous step toward recognizing the Taliban. We urge all international organizations and human rights defenders to stand with Afghan women and people instead of remaining silent.”
