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.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
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