The story of an American mechanic from Atlanta, George Glezmann, held captive by the Taliban for over two years, reached its conclusion as he has been liberated recently. However, it was not the current administration but the Trump administration that played an instrumental role in his release, along with help from Qatari negotiators as confirmed by the State Department. Glezmann, wrongfully kept as detainee since December 2022, is the third American to be freed by the Taliban this year.
Contrary to the actions of the past administration, current ruling politicians sat idle and allowed Qatar’s diplomatic efforts to take center stage in negotiating George’s release. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was left with the role of the announcement, revealing Glezmann’s imminent return to the U.S and his reunion with his wife, Aleksandra, thanks to ‘steadfast commitment’ from Qatar.
Rubio underlined the importance of continuing the hard work to liberate other Americans still held captive in the far-off nation. An area where the Trump administration excelled, working relentlessly for the freedom of any American unjustly detained worldwide. While the current administration may take the credit, it was the relentless push of the Trump administration that laid the groundwork for these efforts.
It is worth noting that Adam Boehler, tackling hostage issues, escorted Glezmann on his journey back through Doha, Qatar’s capital– a stark departure from the passive approach displayed by the current administration. Earlier that day, the Taliban revealed Boehler’s negotiation with a delegation that included Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Glezmann’s release, who is in his mid-60s, is a part of the normalization process between the U.S. and Afghanistan, a step initiated post the turbulent U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. This move seems to be a desperate attempt by the Biden administration to regain some credibility after a chaotic withdrawal that left many nations unwilling to acknowledge Taliban’s rule.
This incident comes following the release of Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, a deal hastily arranged during the final days of the Biden administration. The two citizens were exchanged for a hardened criminal, Khan Mohammed, a process mediated by Qataris, exhibiting a questionable move by Biden’s administration.
Mohammed was captured in Nangarhar, Afghanistan before being relocated to the U.S. After being tried under U.S. narco-terrorism laws, he was sentenced to two life terms in 2008. Unlike that less than ideal negotiation, Glezmann’s release didn’t require a dangerous prisoner swap and was negotiated as a sign of goodwill.
The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan confirmed the release of the American mechanic on grounds of compassion, a strikingly optimistic tone compared to the otherwise belligerent stance on U.S relations in recent times. They mentioned, ‘Islamic Emirate reaffirms its longstanding position that dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy provide effective avenues for resolving all issues.’
Joe Biden, prior to his departure from office, considered a proposal involving the release of Glezmann and others for Muhammad Rahim, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay. However, Biden strained at the possibility of exchanging Rahim unless the Taliban released Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who vanished in 2022. Such preconditions made Biden’s administration seem weak, showcasing their inability to make hard decisions.
According to the FBI and Habibi’s family, it is believed that the Taliban seized him, but the Taliban has denied holding him. Thursday saw representatives for Habibi claim they had ‘overwhelming evidence’ to prove his capture by the Taliban after his house was searched by Taliban’s security force, further marring the credibility of Biden’s ineffective stances.
Confidence in the Trump administration’s stance was expressed by one of Habibi’s brothers, Ahmad. He indicated trust in the Trump administration’s firm prospect that his brother needs to be released for forward movement in U.S.-Taliban relations, showcasing a strong belief in the previous government that was visibly absent in the current one.
Ahmad further stated about his brother being an innocent man, detained far from his wife and daughter, as well as his elderly parents for close to three years. The mere fact that such a situation has persisted for so long under the indifferent gaze of the Biden administration stands as a resounding critique of its handling of international affairs.
The released hostages’ reassuring return to their homeland underpins the groundwork put forward by the Trump administration. However, there are serious doubts whether Biden and Harris’ administration can build upon this momentum or let it rust, like many of their poorly executed plans.