Trump Admin Secures Release of U.S. Hostage After 2 Years in Taliban Captivity/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ After more than two years in Taliban captivity, American citizen George Glezmann was released in a Qatar-brokered deal with the Trump administration, the State Department announced Thursday. Glezmann, an airline mechanic from Atlanta, was detained in December 2022 while traveling in Afghanistan. His release follows the Taliban’s “normalization” efforts with the U.S. and comes without a prisoner exchange, unlike previous cases. He is en route to the U.S., accompanied by a Trump administration envoy.
American Hostage Freed by Taliban – Quick Look:
- Who was released? George Glezmann, a U.S. airline mechanic.
- How long was he held? Over two years, since December 2022.
- Who brokered the deal? Qatar, in coordination with the Trump administration.
- Was there a prisoner swap? No, the release was a “goodwill gesture.”
- Where is Glezmann now? Traveling home via Doha, Qatar.
- What’s next? The U.S. continues to push for other detained Americans’ release.
Trump Admin Secures Release of U.S. Hostage After 2 Years in Taliban Captivity
Deep Look – The Release of George Glezmann
A Two-Year Captivity Ends
After two years in Taliban custody, George Glezmann was freed on Thursday, marking the third American released since January. Glezmann, an Atlanta-based airline mechanic, was designated wrongfully detained by the U.S. government in 2023, a year after his abduction. His release follows diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Trump administration officials.
Qatar’s Role in the Negotiations
Qatar, which has long served as a mediator between the U.S. and the Taliban, played a key role in securing Glezmann’s freedom. Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for its “steadfast commitment” and emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to freeing all detained Americans worldwide.
“George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan,” Rubio said.
Glezmann is currently en route to the United States, accompanied by Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s hostage affairs negotiator.
Why Did the Taliban Release Glezmann?
Unlike previous U.S.-Taliban prisoner exchanges, no detainees were released from U.S. custody in return for Glezmann. An official familiar with the deal described the move as a “goodwill gesture” by the Taliban, aimed at furthering “normalization” efforts with Washington.
The Taliban has been seeking international legitimacy since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, but most countries—including the U.S.—have not recognized their rule.
A Pattern of Releases?
Glezmann’s release follows a separate Biden-era deal in which the Taliban freed two Americans—Ryan Corbett and William McKenty—in exchange for a convicted narco-terrorist held in the U.S. Unlike that controversial exchange, no U.S. prisoners were released this time.
The Case of Mahmood Habibi
While Glezmann is now free, other Americans remain detained. Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Habibi is still missing, with U.S. officials believing he is in Taliban custody, despite Taliban denials.
Before leaving office, President Joe Biden considered a trade proposal that would have freed Glezmann in exchange for Muhammad Rahim, an alleged al-Qaida operative held at Guantanamo Bay. However, Biden ultimately refused the deal unless the Taliban also freed Habibi.
The Trump administration has vowed to continue negotiations to bring home all detained Americans.
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