The embassy run by exiles

2025-10-14

When the Taliban retook Afghanistan in August 2021, the country’s embassy in Canberra stayed open. It’s an embassy in exile – staffed by diplomats from the former administration – and advocating on behalf of Afghans here in Australia. Until now, there have been 17 embassies of its kind around the world – in countries that don’t formally recognise the Taliban. But recently, Germany decided to expel its embassy’s exiled staff and instead invite representatives of the Taliban regime. Today, press gallery...

When the Taliban retook Afghanistan in August 2021, the country’s embassy in Canberra stayed open.

It’s an embassy in exile – staffed by diplomats from the former administration – and advocating on behalf of Afghans here in Australia.

Until now, there have been 17 embassies of its kind around the world – in countries that don’t formally recognise the Taliban.

But recently, Germany decided to expel its embassy’s exiled staff and instead invite representatives of the Taliban regime.

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on diplomacy in exile – and life under the Taliban for the people of Afghanistan.

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Guest: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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