(RightIsRight.co) – After two long years in Taliban captivity, American citizen George Glezmann has finally been freed as a benevolent act to President Trump.
The release comes after the highest-level direct talks between the US and Taliban since Trump took office, showing Trump’s prioritization of bringing Americans home.
George Glezmann, an American citizen held by the Taliban since December 2022, is finally heading home after being freed Thursday.
The Atlanta man was detained while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist shortly after the chaotic US withdrawal that left the country in Taliban hands.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann’s release, calling it a “positive and constructive step” while crediting Qatar’s diplomatic efforts.
Glezmann was transferred to Qatar before his journey back to the United States, where he will soon be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra.
Former US envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad described the release as “a goodwill gesture” specifically directed toward President Trump.
Unlike previous releases under the Biden administration, no prisoner exchange was required to secure Glezmann’s freedom.
“President Trump has made the freedom and homecoming of Americans held abroad a high priority. It is an honor to assist in this important effort,” Khalilzad stated.
Glezmann’s release follows President Trump’s successful efforts to bring home two other Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who returned to the US on Trump’s inauguration night.
The Biden administration had considered trading Glezmann for a Guantanamo detainee but never completed the deal, leaving the American in Taliban custody for two years with deteriorating health.
The breakthrough came after a high-level meeting in Kabul between the Taliban’s foreign minister and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler.
This meeting marked the highest-level direct talks between American officials and Taliban leadership since President Trump took office.
Khalilzad accompanied Boehler, demonstrating Trump’s commitment to direct diplomacy when American lives are at stake.
“George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world,” Secretary Rubio declared.
Moreover, the James Foley Foundation reported that during his two-year ordeal, Glezmann had limited contact with his wife and his health had significantly deteriorated.
Despite this diplomatic victory, other Americans remain in Taliban custody. Secretary Rubio specifically mentioned Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who has been detained for over 950 days, though the Taliban continues to deny holding him.
Habibi’s brother Ahmad has pleaded for help, saying, “We are confident that the Trump Administration will hold firm that my brother needs to be released for relations with the U.S. to move forward.”
The Taliban, still seeking international recognition after taking power in 2021 during Biden’s disastrous withdrawal, called Glezmann’s release a gesture of “goodwill” and expressed a desire for improved relations with the United States based on “mutual respect.”
They also claim alignment with American interests in combating ISIS, though their human rights record continues to prevent formal diplomatic recognition.
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