WASHINGTON: George Glezmann, held by the Taliban since 2022, has been released following negotiations led by Trump envoy Adam Boehler.
Successful Negotiation
Glezmann, 65, was kidnapped while visiting Afghanistan in December 2022.
The Taliban finally released him after discussions with US and Qatari officials.
Adam Boehler met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to finalize the agreement.
Glezmann’s case was declared “wrongfully detained” by the US government in late 2023.
This classification helped direct more federal resources toward securing his release.
Return to Freedom
His release follows weeks of negotiations involving the US, Taliban, and Qatar.
Boehler worked closely with Qatari officials to finalize the deal.
He is expected to accompany Glezmann back to the US.
Former US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad confirmed the news on X.
“The Taliban released him as a goodwill gesture,” Khalilzad posted.
Harsh Conditions
Glezmann traveled to Afghanistan to explore the country’s history.
He was kept in a nine-foot by nine-foot cell with other detainees.
At times, he was held underground and in solitary confinement for months.
He had limited phone contact with his family—just 54 minutes in total.
Qatari representatives provided only a few in-person visits.
Previous Releases
Earlier this year, the Taliban freed two other Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty.
Their release was part of a prisoner exchange in January.
The US swapped them for Khan Mohammed, a Taliban member jailed for narco-terrorism.
That deal was negotiated in the final hours of Biden’s presidency.
US officials had hoped Glezmann and another American, Mahmoud Habibi, would also be freed.
Ongoing Concerns
The Taliban has never acknowledged holding Habibi.
The US still considers him a hostage.
Glezmann’s wife, Aleksandra, warned last year about his deteriorating health.
He has a benign tumor, vision loss, and painful ulcers.
His family eagerly awaits his safe return home.
Diplomatic Efforts
The US has no embassy in Afghanistan since closing it in 2022.
Qatar represents US interests in the country.
It played a key role in the negotiations.
Taliban representatives and US officials held talks in Doha.
Diplomatic efforts continue to secure the release of other detainees.
