Internship at the Afghan Consulate General in Bonn: this is what the Taliban, who currently rule the country in the Hindu Kush, are offering. On its website, the regime entices prospective applicants with the chance to “gain practical and professional experience in a diplomatic mission”.
Unlike other countries, such as Austria and the US, the German government does not classify the Taliban as a terrorist group. Most countries worldwide condemn the radical Islamists for their stonings, executions and human rights violations against non-believers and women. For almost 20 years, from early 2002 until 29 June 2021, the German Armed Forces fought against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The Consulate General is now looking for young people to work on a voluntary basis in the passport office, public relations or the legal department. Only interns “who are legally permitted to undertake an internship in Germany” will be accepted.
According to the job advertisement, this includes “German and EU nationals, international students with a valid residence permit that allows for an internship, as well as other individuals with the appropriate residence status”. Young people “with a good command of German and knowledge of Dari, Pashto or English” are particularly welcome.
The Afghan Consul General in Germany is the Taliban diplomat Said Mustafa Hashimi, who appears in the traditional garb of the Islamists, including a turban. When asked by the newspaper BZ, the diplomatic mission did not respond as to whether women, Jews and Christians would also be offered an internship.
However, the job advertisement refers to “applicants”. Another subpage of the website states: “The Consulate General of Afghanistan is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive working environment for all staff.”