After more than two years of captivity in Afghanistan, American citizen George Glezmann has been released by the Taliban and has returned to the United States. Glezmann, a 66-year-old Delta Airlines mechanic from Atlanta, was detained in December 2022 while traveling as a tourist in Afghanistan. His release follows extensive negotiations involving U.S. and Qatari officials.
Glezmann arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday, March 21, where he was reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. Expressing profound relief and gratitude, Glezmann stated, “I feel born again. I have no words.” He extended his appreciation to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Presidential Envoy Adam Boehler for their roles in securing his freedom.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann’s release, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to this outcome. He acknowledged Qatar’s “steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts,” which were instrumental in the negotiations. Rubio emphasized that Glezmann’s release serves as a reminder of other Americans still detained in Afghanistan, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to securing their freedom.
The negotiations were spearheaded by Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who traveled to Kabul to facilitate Glezmann’s release. Boehler was accompanied by former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. The successful talks culminated in Glezmann’s departure from Kabul to Doha, Qatar, before his return to the United States.
Glezmann’s ordeal began in December 2022 when he was detained by the Taliban’s intelligence service shortly after arriving in Kabul for a planned five-day cultural exploration. An experienced traveler who had visited over 100 countries, Glezmann was held without charges, and in September 2023, the U.S. government designated him as wrongfully detained.
During his captivity, Glezmann endured harsh conditions, including confinement in a nine-foot by nine-foot cell, periods of solitary confinement, and being held underground for extended durations. He suffered from health issues such as facial tumors, hypertension, and severe malnutrition, leading to significant concern for his well-being among family and officials.
The release is viewed as a goodwill gesture by the Taliban, aimed at normalizing relations with the United States. Unlike previous detainee releases, Glezmann’s freedom was secured without a prisoner exchange, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic engagements between the two entities.
This event underscores the ongoing complexities in U.S.-Afghanistan relations following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. While the U.S. does not officially recognize the Taliban-led government, diplomatic channels remain active, particularly concerning the safety and release of American citizens detained abroad.
Glezmann’s return brings relief to his family and community, yet it also highlights the continued efforts needed to secure the release of other Americans still held in Afghanistan. The U.S. government remains committed to pursuing all avenues to bring unjustly detained citizens home.
Sources:
https://www.foxnews.com/world/american-released-taliban-returns-home-champions-welcome
https://www.state.gov/release-of-george-glezmann
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/american-george-glezmann-freed-taliban-after-detained-2/story?id=119989454
https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/sres753/BILLS-118sres753is.htm
https://apnews.com/article/e6a4d42edc25f290552a5e2ad21f8889
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/20/taliban-releases-us-detainee-george-glezmann-in-trump-administration-deal
https://youtu.be/47ac_sGtQU4
https://youtu.be/cgeOpQjc2d0
