Dr Paul Behrens writes opinion piece on Diplomatic Law in the Dangerous Days of the Taliban

Following recent events in Afghanistan which saw numerous diplomats flee the country, Dr Paul Behrens, Reader in Law at Edinburgh Law School, has written an op-ed on diplomatic law in times of crisis.

Dr Paul Behrens' article 'Diplomatic Law In The Dangerous Days Of The Taliban' was published in The Herald on 22 August 2021. The article deals with the importance of diplomatic law in times of crisis and armed conflict, such as the duty of the receiving State to allow diplomats to leave the country and to protect embassies and their archives. It also draws parallels between the current situation in Afghanistan, the American withdrawal from Saigon in 1975 and the Tehran Hostages Crisis in 1979 and underlines the essential role of reciprocity in diplomatic relations: new governments who wish to send their own diplomats abroad and to claim protection for them are well advised to guarantee the inviolability of foreign envoys on their own soil.

"None of the so-called great powers leaves Afghanistan smelling of roses. Not Russia, whose ambassador praised the Taliban for their 'positive and businesslike' approach. Not the United States, who decided that now is a good time to abandon the country. Not the United Kingdom, whose Foreign Secretary was taken aback by the speed of the Taliban takeover."

Dr Paul Behrens: Diplomatic law in the dangerous days of the Taliban - Read Dr Behrens' article on the Harold Scotland website.