WASHINGTON — An American tourist, who was taken hostage over two years ago while traveling in Afghanistan, has been freed by the Taliban. This significant development follows negotiations facilitated by Qatari intermediaries and aligns with efforts made during the Trump administration, according to the State Department’s announcement on Thursday.
George Glezmann, an airline mechanic based in Atlanta, represents the third American detainee released by the Taliban since January. Glezmann was captured by the Taliban’s intelligence services in December 2022, and was later classified as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.
In an official statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Glezmann is en route to the U.S. to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra. Rubio commended Qatar for its “dedicated commitment and diplomatic efforts,” stating these were crucial in securing Glezmann’s release.
“George’s release marks a positive and constructive advancement. It also serves as a reminder that many Americans remain detained in Afghanistan. The commitment to continue working for the release of ALL Americans unjustly held overseas will not waver,” Rubio remarked.
Glezmann is being assisted back to the U.S. through Qatar’s capital, Doha, by Adam Boehler, who has been engaged in addressing hostage affairs. Qatar has played a pivotal role in mediating discussions between the U.S. and the Taliban over recent years.
The release of Glezmann fits into the Taliban’s narrative of restoring “normalization” between the U.S. and Afghanistan, especially in light of the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from the region in 2021. Despite this progress, most nations still do not formally recognize the Taliban’s governance.
Glezmann’s freedom comes on the heels of a previously arranged deal, established during the final days of the Biden administration, which also involved Qatar’s mediation. This prior arrangement secured the release of Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were exchanged for Khan Mohammed—a figure sentenced to two life terms in 2008 for crimes under U.S. narco-terrorism statutes.
Notably, in contrast to previous negotiations, no prisoners were exchanged for Glezmann’s release; this was framed as a goodwill gesture, revealed by an anonymous official familiar with the sensitive negotiations.
The Taliban previously announced that Boehler was in dialogue regarding hostage issues with a delegation that included Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Before departing office, President Biden weighed an earlier proposal involving conditions for Glezmann’s release, which included potential exchanges for Muhammad Rahim, a remaining detainee at Guantanamo Bay. However, Biden communicated during a family call in January that there would be no deal unless the Taliban released Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Habibi.
U.S. officials suspect the Taliban is holding Habibi, although the Taliban has denied these claims.
