Taliban plan to take over the Afghan embassy in Vienna: Bakhtari defends himself!

Taliban plan to take over the Afghan embassy in Vienna: Bakhtari defends himself!

At a time when the world's eyes are on Afghanistan, the fate of the Afghan embassy in Vienna sheds a depressing light on the country's reality. The embassy, ​​headed by Manizha Bakhtari, is located in Ottakring, surrounded by apartment blocks, and despite all the difficulties continues to act as a contact point for Afghan citizens. Bakhtari, who is considered the “last ambassador,” has been resisting since the Taliban came to power in August 2021. In this difficult situation, she sharply criticizes the Taliban for their “gender apartheid” and campaigns tirelessly for the rights of women in Afghanistan, which are massively restricted under the regime.

The Taliban have so far not recognized the embassy in Vienna and are instead demanding Bakhtari's removal in order to send their own representatives. It is a diplomatic tug-of-war in which Austria does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government and retains Bakhtari as an accredited ambassador. Contact with the Afghan government has been broken since the previous heads of state fled in 2021, but the embassy remains active, the magazine explains profile. Bakhtari and her team help Afghans obtain important documents despite powerful obstacles imposed by the Taliban.

The challenges of Afghan women

The situation for women in Afghanistan has deteriorated dramatically since the takeover of power. According to BAMF reports, the systematic disenfranchisement of women is becoming increasingly visible. Education, health care and legal protection are no longer accessible, and women experience violence and social exclusion women'srights.de can be read. The Taliban have introduced numerous bans in recent years that make it almost impossible for women to function in society.

Bakhtari, who studied journalism and literature in Kabul, not only took over the Afghan embassy in Vienna, but also founded the “Daughters Program” to enable girls and women in Afghanistan to receive an education. Currently, around 100 young Afghan women are being taught online or in “underground classes”. Her stance is unwavering: “I will not leave until I am no longer allowed,” she says, and has made it clear that she also sees her position as ambassador as a symbol of resistance, as well butterfly reported.

Austria's role and international perspectives

With the invitation of Taliban representatives to Vienna for identification meetings with Afghan nationals, including criminals, the federal government is faced with a dilemma. Austria wants to be a pioneer in deportations to countries that were previously considered taboo. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner describes this step as logical, but there are international concerns about women's rights. An open letter from 17 organizations calls on the Austrian government to promote talks with the Afghan opposition and support humanitarian visas.

The era of the Taliban has not only drastically changed living conditions in Afghanistan, but has also put diplomatic relations to the test. While Germany is already accepting Taliban diplomats into its embassies, Austria remains hesitant. The democratic aspirations, symbolized by Bakhtari's involvement in the “Vienna Process,” could be jeopardized by official recognition of the Taliban. Austria plans to take the challenges facing Afghan society seriously and show a good hand in doing so.