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Merz Approves Taliban-Run Afghan Staff Deal Despite AfD Pressure

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz approved a deal that lets Taliban staff Afghan missions in Germany, despite AfD pressure to keep its deportation pledge.
About 35,000 Afghans in German programs risk losing protection if they must renew passports at Taliban offices.
Former Bonn consulate head Hamid Nangialay Kabiri quit in September warning the deal gives the Taliban leverage, a risk activists say creates blackmail danger.

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Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz approved a deal that lets Taliban staff Afghan missions in Germany, despite AfD pressure to keep its deportation pledge.
About 35,000 Afghans in German programs risk losing protection if they must renew passports at Taliban offices.
Former Bonn consulate head Hamid Nangialay Kabiri quit in September warning the deal gives the Taliban leverage, a risk activists say creates blackmail danger.