Image:”Kids on tank, Kabul” by swiss.frog is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

A shock decision from Canberra to close the Australian embassy in Kabul has left diplomats and the international community scratching their heads. The decision was made with 4 days’ notice, leaving the Afghani government with little time to devise a solution.

Australian officials say the move is temporary, but analysts warn the damage may be irreversible if and when Australia returns to Afghanistan.

Produced By: Annie Hastwell, and Spencer Fullgrabe

Featured In Story: William Maley, Emeritus professor, ANU, and Richard Broinowski, President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 26 May 2021