DOHA: US Citizen Released from Taliban Detention in Afghanistan
Taliban Free American Citizen in ‘Goodwill Gesture’
DOHA: The Taliban today freed an American citizen, George Glezmann, who was detained in Afghanistan for over two years, following direct talks between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials in Kabul, a source briefed on the release told Reuters.
Release Secured through Direct Talks
Glezmann, a mechanic for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, was visiting Kabul as a tourist when he was detained by the Taliban in December 2022. He left Afghanistan aboard a Qatari aircraft today evening bound for Qatar, the source said. Glezmann and Boehler are expected to later travel onward to the US.
Boehler’s High-Level Diplomacy
This is the second high-profile release of a US citizen held overseas secured amid diplomacy by Boehler. His efforts also led to the release of American school teacher Marc Fogel from Russia last month. In addition, Boehler has held direct talks with Palestinian resistance group Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. He also traveled to Iraq last month to push for the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, a student at Princeton University.
Taliban’s ‘Goodwill Gesture’
The Taliban authorities released Glezmann as a "goodwill gesture" and not as part of a deal to free any Afghan detainees held by the US in exchange, the source said. The US in January freed an Afghan convicted by an American court on charges of drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two US citizens held in Afghanistan. Qatari officials were also involved in negotiations for that deal, which began during the administration of former US president Joe Biden and led to the release of two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty. A third American citizen, Mahmood Habibi, is thought to remain in custody in Afghanistan.
Qatar’s Role
Qatar, a Gulf Arab state which represents US diplomatic interests in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, coordinated with Boehler to negotiate Glezmann’s release with the Taliban authorities, the source said. "Following weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was made by the Qataris during recent meetings with the Taliban," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
US Secretary of State Confirms Release
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement today confirming Glezmann’s release.
Conclusion
Glezmann’s release marks a significant achievement in the efforts of the US to secure the release of American citizens held overseas. The negotiations between Boehler and the Taliban demonstrate the importance of high-level diplomacy in securing the safe release of hostages.
FAQs
- Who is George Glezmann?
- A US citizen who was detained in Afghanistan for over two years.
- Who is Adam Boehler?
- The US hostage envoy who negotiated Glezmann’s release with the Taliban.
- What is the purpose of Boehler’s direct talks with the Taliban?
- To secure the release of American citizens held in Afghanistan.
- What is the role of Qatar in Glezmann’s release?
- Qatar coordinated with Boehler to negotiate Glezmann’s release with the Taliban authorities.
- How many American citizens are still held in Afghanistan?
- One, Mahmood Habibi, is thought to remain in custody in Afghanistan.