Germany and Afghanistan have a long history of diplomatic relations dating back to 1915 . Recently, Afghanistan marked 100 years of Afghan-German relations, celebrating the friendship between the two nations . However, following the Taliban's takeover in 2021, Germany suspended its development cooperation and stabilization support but continues to provide humanitarian assistance and support for human rights, particularly women's and children's rights
Germany has been involved in Afghanistan since 1915 for over 100 years, when the German Reich and the Kingdom of Afghanistan initiated contact and diplomatic relations. with a significant increase in engagement since 2001.
In 1921-1923, an Afghan delegation visited Germany to sign agreements with various companies and the German-Afghan trading company was established.
By the end of the decade, 70% of Afghan industrial equipment was imported from Germany.
During World War II, Afghanistan remained neutral in the conflict and refused to surrender Germans living in the country to the international community.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 led to immense refugee movements and later in 1992, the fall of President Mohammad Najibullah ended intense relations between the two countries.
The German government has publicly stated that it views Afghanistan as a crucial partner in the region and has committed to supporting the country's development and stability.
Germany has been one of the leading troop contributors to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
The German public has been divided on the deployment of troops to Afghanistan, with some supporting the mission and others calling for withdrawal.
The German government has faced criticism from some quarters for its handling of the Afghanistan mission, with some arguing that the mission was poorly planned and executed.
In recent years, there has been a growing debate in Germany about the country's role in international military missions, with some calling for a more active role and others arguing for a more cautious approach.
The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 has led to a significant shift in Germany's policy towards the country, with a greater emphasis on humanitarian assistance and support for the Afghan people.
Following the collapse of the Taliban regime, Germany hosted two conferences on the future of Afghanistan
Germany led the training and development of the Afghan National Police as part of the ISAF mission.which was later replaced by the NATO training mission Resolute Support replaced the ISAF mission.
Germany withdrew its forces from Afghanistan following the end of the NATO mission, and the Taliban took control of the country.
The Federal Government suspended its comprehensive development cooperation and stabilisation support to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.
Germany has not recognized the Taliban regime as the official government of Afghanistan .
Germany has closed its embassy in Kabul but is seeking to reopen it .
Germany has a humanitarian admission program for at-risk Afghans, including women's and human rights activists, former government officials, and civil society members.
Germany has admitted 26,000 Afghans since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Germany is working with neighboring countries to facilitate the evacuation of at-risk Afghans.
Germany's relations with Afghanistan are limited due to the Taliban's refusal to meet international demands for inclusivity and human rights.Germany is providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan through international organizations and NGOs.
Germany is supporting regional efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.
However, Germany can still cooperate with Afghanistan in various ways, despite the lack of relations with the Islamist regime.
Germany can provide humanitarian assistance, like food, shelter, and medical care, to vulnerable Afghans, through organizations like the UNHCR, Red Cross, or NGOs.
Germany can support development projects in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, through international organizations or NGOs, benefiting the Afghan people without directly engaging with the regime.
Germany can empower Afghan civil society organizations, promoting democracy, human rights, and women's empowerment, through funding and capacity-building programs.
Germany can engage with neighboring countries and regional organizations to promote stability and security in Afghanistan, without directly dealing with the regime.
Germany can continue to provide asylum to Afghan refugees and support their integration into German society, while also advocating for their rights and interests.
Germany can maintain cultural exchange programs, promoting people-to-people connections and understanding, even if official diplomatic ties are limited.
Germany can encourage and support peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban, through diplomatic efforts and funding, to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
By adopting a nuanced approach, Germany can contribute to the well-being of the Afghan people and support regional stability without legitimizing the Islamist regime.
China and Russia may view the relations between Germany and Afghanistan as a way to undermine US and NATO influence in the region coupled with promoting their own regional/global influence and securing their own interests and investments in Afghanistan and the surrounding region.
China sees Germany's cautious approach as an opportunity to expand its own influence in Afghanistan and the region.It may view Germany's humanitarian efforts as a way to gain soft power and spread Western values, which could be seen as a threat to China's own interests.
China is likely to continue its own engagement with the Taliban, seeking to secure its borders and investments in the region.
China may see Germany's reluctance to recognize the Taliban as a chance to strengthen its own ties with the regime.
Russia views Germany's approach as a sign of Western weakness and lack of resolve in the region.
Russia sees an opportunity to expand its own influence in Afghanistan and the region, potentially through military means.
She may view Germany's humanitarian efforts as a way to undermine Russian interests and spread Western influence.
Russia is likely to continue its own engagement with the Taliban, seeking to secure its interests and maintain a foothold in the region.
Russia may see Germany's reluctance to recognize the Taliban as a chance to strengthen its own ties with the regime and gain leverage over Europe.
It's important to note that both China and Russia have their own interests and priorities in the region, and their views on Germany's relations with Afghanistan may not be identical.
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