Zeitschrift für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik (ZFAS), June and July 2023
Taleban poster in Bamian, showing their hijab regulation. Photo: AAN.
Abstract: In Afghanistan, the Taleban are firmly entrenched; however, they are isolating themselves internationally through a policy of unprecedented hostility toward human rights, while suppressing all dissent domestically. Following its failure there (2001–2021), the West retains virtually no leverage, yet—as the largest donor—it cannot ignore the equally unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis. The author argues that change must originate from within the country itself—supported by patient diplomacy. A political situation analysis (in German).
The two parts of this article were published in Germany-based Zeitschrift für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik (ZFAS – Journal for Foreign and Security Policy) in Vol. 16, No. 2 (June 2023) and No. 3 (July 2023).
Full texts below.
Part 1 in: Vol. 16, no. 2 (June 2023), pp. 133–145
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12399-023-00946-8
also available via Research Gate here.
Part 2 in: Vol. 16, no. 3 (July 2023), pp. 273–288
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12399-023-00958-4
also available via Research Gate here.
Both parts are also available at Thomas’s Afghanistan Zhaghdablai blog here.
Revisions:
This article was last updated on 8 May 2026
