Talks
ILSAF Insights
Every year, the ILSAF directors invite one outstanding scholar to discuss matters of fundamental significance. The series is designed for an international audience and therefore held in digital format. To reach even more interested listeners, the talks are uploaded in ILSAF’s YouTube channel.
2024: Who Represents Afghanistan?
Since the Taliban’s takeover, their de facto government remains unrecognized internationally. Many Afghan diplomats appointed under the overthrown Islamic Republic also refuse to acknowledge their legitimacy. The following situation raises difficult legal questions in the following areas:
- The ICC’s investigations into Afghanistan war crimes;
- The ICJ case under CEDAW, which is related to the recent ECJ decision on the right to asylum of Afghan women;
- Diplomatic interactions with the Afghan state;
- Administrative acts performed by Afghan diplomats; and
- Questions around Afghanistan’s frozen state assets.
ILSAF’s directors will discuss these matters with Asst. Prof. Dr. Seyfullah Hasar of Dicle University, Türkiye.
Date: 10 December 2024
Click here to watch the discussion on YouTube.
Paderborner Afghanistan-Gespräche
The series of ‘Paderborn Afghanistan Talks’ aims to strengthen ILSAF’s relations with Paderborn University, which hosts the institute’s secretariat, and local communities. Paderborn is a university city in the Westphalia region that is also home to a significant Afghan diaspora population.
The ‘Paderborn Afghanistan Talks’ begin with a lecture or an expert input, followed by discussion. They are held in German language.
2025: The Taliban Ideology: History, Present, and Future
What ideology drives the movement that has shaped Afghanistan for decades? ILSAF’s guest, PD Dr. Jan-Peter Hartung will delve into the historical evolution of the Taliban, exploring their ideological foundations and key aspects of their legal interpretations – from religious principles to traditional customary law.
In the further discussion, the questions of the role of women under Taliban rule as well as the future prospects for Afghanistan will be raised.
Date: Upcoming
Place: AStA Gewölbekeller, Marktplatz, Paderborn
2024: Reflecting on Two Decades of German Engagement in Afghanistan
The German MP Schahina Gambir shared her personal insights as a member of the Parliamentary Enquete Commission on Germany’s involvement in Afghanistan. On the positive side, Germany contributed to advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Ms Gambir also acknowledged improvements of the rights and opportunities for women and girls. However, these gains proved fragile.
The commission also identified substantial challenges and failures. Germany’s mission struggled to address Afghanistan’s deeply rooted political instability and persistent security threats. Ms Gambir criticized the approach to nation-building as insufficiently attuned to Afghanistan’s complex socio-cultural and political realities. Coordination between international and Afghan stakeholders was inconsistent, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of local ownership.
ILSAF’s Chairman, Prof. Dr. Idris Nassery added a thought-provoking perspective on the ideological background of the conflict between the Taliban and the previous government and its international allies. Based on his studies of sources such as the Taliban’s Supreme Judge’s recent book, he also addressed paradoxes within Taliban ideology, particularly its relationship with traditional Islamic legal schools.
Date: 29 January 2024
