March 23, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – In a significant development signaling a potential recalibration in U.S.-Taliban relations, the United States has officially revoked a $10 million bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani, a senior Taliban leader and current Interior Minister of Afghanistan, following the release of an American citizen, George Gleizman, who had been held in captivity for over two years.
The move, reportedly initiated by the Trump administration, follows a quiet but strategic series of negotiations that involved American diplomats, Taliban leadership, and Qatari mediators. The development has stirred strong responses from political circles and international observers alike.
🎗️ The Release of George Gleizman
65-year-old George Gleizman, a U.S. citizen, had been detained by Taliban forces during a visit to Afghanistan more than two years ago. His arrest was widely condemned by American officials, with many describing it as unlawful and politically motivated.
His release last week came as a result of intensive diplomatic backchanneling. According to The New York Post, the negotiations involved Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, along with Taliban officials and mediators from Qatar.
“George Gleizman was wrongly imprisoned and endured nearly two and a half years of uncertainty,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirming his release. “His safe return is a relief, but it comes with broader implications for our ongoing diplomatic posture with the Taliban.”
🛑 Bounty Revoked from Sirajuddin Haqqani
Following the release, the U.S. State Department moved swiftly to revoke the $10 million bounty placed on Sirajuddin Haqqani. The bounty had been part of the Rewards for Justice program and was aimed at securing Haqqani’s capture for his alleged role in planning and executing cross-border attacks on U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Haqqani, who remains listed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists page, has long been viewed as a central figure in the Haqqani Network—an entity previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
Although the Afghan Ministry of Interior confirmed the removal of the bounty, it’s noteworthy that Haqqani’s profile and reward listing remain live on the FBI’s website, as of this report.
📉 Diplomatic Move or Strategic Compromise?
The timing of the bounty removal—immediately following Gleizman’s release—has fueled speculation of a quid pro quo. While U.S. officials have not confirmed a direct link between the hostage release and the bounty withdrawal, the sequence of events speaks volumes.
“This isn’t just a diplomatic gesture—it’s a calculated move,” said one former senior U.S. intelligence official. “Whether or not it was explicitly tied to Gleizman’s release, the Taliban will interpret this as a legitimization of their government and leadership.”
🌍 Haqqani’s Controversial Reputation
Sirajuddin Haqqani has long been a controversial and shadowy figure in international circles. Accused of orchestrating deadly bombings, kidnappings, and militant operations against U.S. assets, his elevation to a key cabinet position in the Taliban’s de facto government last year drew harsh criticism from Western allies.
The U.S. had maintained that Haqqani was directly responsible for some of the most brutal attacks during the Afghan war, including those targeting American personnel and interests.
“Removing a $10 million bounty from someone accused of killing Americans sends a dangerous message,” said a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in a joint statement. “Accountability must not be sacrificed for short-term diplomatic gains.”
🔍 FBI’s Position Remains Unchanged — For Now
Despite the State Department’s decision, Haqqani remains officially listed on the FBI’s website as wanted for questioning. His profile includes accusations of:
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Organizing and participating in cross-border attacks against U.S. and NATO forces
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Involvement in bombings and insurgent warfare across Afghanistan
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Connections to known terrorist networks
The removal of the bounty may indicate a softening stance by the U.S., but the intelligence and law enforcement arms of the government appear to retain their classification of Haqqani as a security threat.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
