US in negotiations with Taliban to swap Americans in Afghanistan for prisoner in Guantanamo
The Biden administration is currently in negotiations with the Taliban regarding a potential swap involving three American citizens being held in Afghanistan for a Guantanamo Bay prisoner with ties to Osama bin Laden. The discussions, which have been ongoing since July of last year, center around exchanging Muhammad Rahim al Afghani, a suspected senior Al Qaeda aide, for Americans George Glezmann, Ryan Corbett, and Mahmoud Habibi, who were detained in Afghanistan in 2022.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House initially proposed the swap in November, but the Taliban countered by asking for Rahim and two others in exchange for Glezmann and Corbett. National security adviser Jake Sullivan informed members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a classified session in December 2024 that President Biden was still considering the offer. Concerns were raised during the meeting that the Taliban’s counteroffer may not be in the best interest of the United States.
Sean Savett, a spokesman for the National Security Council, emphasized that the safety and security of Americans abroad are a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration. He assured that efforts are being made to secure the safe return of George, Ryan, and Mahmoud.
As this story continues to develop, it is important to stay updated for any new information that may arise.
This rewritten article stays true to the original content while providing a fresh perspective on the ongoing negotiations between the Biden administration and the Taliban. The key points and details from the original article have been preserved, ensuring that the essence of the story remains intact.
