In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, American citizen George Glezmann has been released by the Taliban after two and a half years in captivity. His release marks the first time U.S. officials have engaged in direct talks with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities within the country since the Taliban regained control in 2021.
Glezmann, who was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, was declared wrongfully detained by the U.S. government in September 2023. His freedom came after a high-level meeting in Kabul between Adam Boehler, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Hostage Affairs, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s de facto foreign minister. The Taliban stated that Glezmann’s release was made on humanitarian grounds and as a gesture of goodwill toward the United States.
Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who was part of the delegation, took to social media platform X to announce the development. He emphasized that the Taliban agreed to release Glezmann as a goodwill gesture to President Trump and the American people.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. They expressed their commitment to engaging with all parties, particularly the United States, on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests. The Taliban also extended gratitude to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for their role in facilitating Glezmann’s release.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. Welcome home, George!”
The announcement has been met with relief and celebration, particularly from Glezmann’s family and supporters, who have long advocated for his freedom. As Glezmann returns home to reunite with his wife, the U.S. government continues to emphasize its commitment to securing the release of all wrongfully detained Americans abroad.
U.S. federal prosecutors have charged six people over an alleged scheme that arranged hundreds of fraudulent ma...
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia have signed a new defence industry agreement in Doha, bringing existing military projects under a share...
Georgia's Constitutional Court has begun hearing a landmark case that could see five opposition parties banned following a legal challenge by t...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Norway for talks about the Russia-Ukraine war. He is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Oslo earlier. Witkoff will also meet European officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said regional issues should be resolved through diplomacy and blamed the United States for insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, with discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the prospects for progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
French authorities imposed local curfews in parts of Paris, Lille and Nice on Monday after a weekend of riots and looting linked to nationwide anti-government protests, as the government faced mounting criticism over security failures.
Georgia's Constitutional Court has begun hearing a landmark case that could see five opposition parties banned following a legal challenge by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Hearings are ongoing and expected to continue until at least Friday.
Türkiye has welcomed Libya's parliamentary approval of a disputed maritime agreement, despite strong opposition from the European Union, which says the deal violates international maritime law.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
The United Nations warned on Tuesday that 19.2 million people in Afghanistan could face acute food insecurity this winter, as families struggle to afford food despite an increase in wheat production.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court in Batumi will on Wednesday hear a lawsuit seeking to ban five Georgian opposition parties, four of which collectively gained 784,820 votes (37.79 per cent) in the country’s last national elections in 2024.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment