Federal government plans talks with Taliban: A risk for Germany?

Federal government plans talks with Taliban: A risk for Germany?

The federal government is increasingly willing to negotiate with the Taliban about the repatriation of Afghan criminals. In recent months the political landscape has changed and the need for talks is seen as a realism from various quarters. Security expert Peter Neumann is a prominent protagonist in this discussion and emphasizes that the Taliban have been in stable power since 2021 and no longer pose a threat to Europe. He advocates diplomatic recognition of the regime in order to create opportunities to improve the human rights situation in Afghanistan. This is highlighted by stern.de.

But how much trust can you put in these negotiations? Interior Minister Dobrindt has already initiated the first deportations of Afghan criminals after the Taliban regime came to power in August 2024, when 28 men were sent from Leipzig to Kabul. The repatriation will be organized via Qatar, where the Taliban has an office. These developments raise the question of how the federal government can manage the balancing act between security interests and avoiding legitimizing recognition of the Taliban. According to Tagesschau, it is clear that talks with the Taliban could be interpreted as recognition of their rule, which is causing concern in parts of the political landscape.

The position of the Taliban

The Taliban themselves appear open to cooperation on issues related to the return of Afghans and have even suggested the need for a consular representation in Germany. Abdul Kahar Balchi, the Taliban's foreign ministry spokesman, has stressed that Afghanistan wants to be repatriated only through direct talks and not through detours like neighboring countries such as Pakistan. This could be a difficult negotiation process, with critics warning that these talks could give the Taliban a strategic advantage. t-online.de reports that considerations have already been initiated as to how the punishment of criminals after their arrival in Afghanistan can be regulated.

However, politicians also point out that around 11,500 Afghans are required to leave the country and that these returns will be anything but easy. The coalition agreement provides for deportations to Afghanistan while at the same time examining the possibility of a diplomatic rapprochement. However, it remains to be seen to what extent recent political developments will influence the stance of both sides.

The challenges of deportations

An incident in Munich, in which a young Afghan, who was considered a rejected asylum seeker, drove his car into a demonstration procession, injuring many people, has further fueled the debate about deportations. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser then announced again that the returns to Afghanistan would continue. And even as the federal government rises to this challenge, there are still concerns within the SPD and other parties that talks with the Taliban could elevate the movement as a legitimate power.

The differences between security policy and the pursuit of human rights make the negotiations a complex undertaking. It remains to be seen how the situation evolves as both sides move toward this potentially delicate partnership.