The US State Department has praised the release of George Glezmann by the Islamic Emirate, calling it a positive and constructive move.
In a statement, the department said that several other American citizens are still in detention in Afghanistan.
Glezmann’s release took place following a visit to Kabul by a US delegation led by US presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, and Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special envoy for Afghan peace.
According to a statement by Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US delegation met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister, and discussed bilateral relations between Kabul and Washington, the release of prisoners, and consular services for Afghans in the US.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “The foreign minister emphasized the importance of resolving issues through dialogue between Afghanistan and the United States. Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi also noted that both countries should move beyond the impact of the 20-year war and enter into political and economic dialogues.”
A few hours after this meeting, Zalmay Khalilzad wrote on his X account that George Glezmann, an American citizen, had been released by the Islamic Emirate after two and a half years in detention.
Khalilzad wrote: “Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul. The Taliban government agreed to free him as a goodwill gesture to the President of the US and the American people.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate also confirmed Glezmann’s release, emphasizing that the move was a humanitarian gesture.
The release was mediated by Qatar, and both Kabul and Washington acknowledged Qatar’s significant role in the process.
Regarding the American prisoner’s release, Zia Ahmad Takal said: “The Islamic Emirate today released an American detainee named George Glezmann from prison as a humanitarian action.”
The Islamic Emirate reiterated that all issues can be resolved through dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy.
Zalmay Khalilzad, former US envoy for Afghan peace, had signed the Doha Agreement with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in 2020.
Political analysts believe Khalilzad’s visit to Kabul may be aimed at shifting the previous US administration’s stance on Afghanistan toward a policy of engagement and cooperation with the Islamic Emirate.
“Zalmay Khalilzad, who brokered the agreement between the Islamic Emirate and the US, has now returned, raising speculation about the expansion of interactions between the Islamic Emirate and the US,” said Abdul Sadeq Hamidzoy, a political analyst.
George Glezmann, 65, is a mechanic with Delta Air Lines. He was arrested by the Islamic Emirate in December 2022 during a five-day visit to Kabul to learn about Afghanistan’s culture and history.
