George Glezmann, an American citizen detained in Afghanistan, was freed after two years in a deal mediated by Qatar. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed his release, stating no prisoners were exchanged. The negotiations were led by US envoy Adam Boehler and included former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad. Glezmann had faced severe conditions during his detention before being reunited with his family.
George Glezmann, a 66-year-old American citizen, was released from Taliban detention on Thursday after more than two years. The negotiations for his release involved Qatari and US mediators, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing that Glezmann is now on his way to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra. Importantly, no prisoners were exchanged for Glezmann’s release.
Qatar facilitated a breakthrough during talks with Taliban officials to secure Glezmann’s freedom. US Special Envoy Adam Boehler maintained close communication with Qatari counterparts, and reportedly accompanied Glezmann on his journey back from Kabul. Photos showing Boehler and former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad meeting Taliban officials were released by a spokesperson from Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry.
Khalilzad confirmed Glezmann’s release on social media, describing it as a gesture of goodwill from the Taliban towards the US and its president. Glezmann had been wrongfully detained in December 2022, shortly after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, and was formally declared wrongfully detained by the US government in September 2023.
Initially visiting Afghanistan to explore its culture and history, Glezmann faced severe conditions in captivity, spending time in a confined cell and in solitary confinement. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock campaigned for his release, highlighting that he received minimal communication and visitation from US officials, given the lack of a US diplomatic presence in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover.
Rubio expressed gratitude to Qatar for its reliable diplomatic efforts in facilitating Glezmann’s release, acknowledging the nation as a trusted partner in complex negotiations. This makes Glezmann the third American citizen freed from Afghanistan this year, following the release of Ryan Corbett and William McKenty in a prisoner swap during the final days of the Biden administration.
Complications arose earlier this year as the US sought to include Glezmann and another American, Mahmoud Habibi, in earlier negotiations, yet were unable to secure their return at that time. Glezmann’s health deteriorated during his confinement, prompting his wife to appeal directly to President Biden for assistance in securing his release.
George Glezmann’s release from Taliban detention marks a significant diplomatic achievement mediated by Qatar and the US. His ordeal highlights the complexities of US efforts to secure the freedom of its citizens in regions lacking diplomatic representation. The successful negotiation not only reunites Glezmann with family but also underscores Qatar’s role in facilitating sensitive negotiations between the US and Taliban authorities.
Original Source: kesq.com
