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Kabul— Speculation about a U.S. diplomatic return to Kabul surged today after Taliban sources told CNN-News18 that Washington is negotiating a “mutual understanding” with the Islamic Emirate.
The rumors gained traction following the March 18 release of American citizen George Glezmann, a contractor held since 2022, in what some call a goodwill gesture. A senior Taliban official, speaking anonymously, suggested the group is open to hosting a U.S. mission if it brings economic relief, though no formal announcement has emerged.
The U.S. State Department declined to comment directly but noted ongoing “channels of communication” with Kabul. On Kabul’s streets, reactions are mixed: teacher Fatima Rahimi hailed it as a chance for jobs and visas, while ex-soldier Karimullah warned it could “whitewash the Taliban’s crimes.”
The Afghan Herald notes this follows Washington’s recent decision to lift a $10 million bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani, signaling a pragmatic shift that has alarmed human rights advocates fearing a tradeoff on women’s rights and justice.
