US Lifts Bounties on Senior Taliban Officials, Including Sirajuddin Haqqani

The United States has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban figures, including interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, amidst a backdrop of evolving diplomatic relations. The move comes shortly after the Taliban's release of American hostage George Glezmann, bolstering claims from Afghan officials that both sides are making strides towards normalizing relations. While Haqqani has been removed from the State Department’s Rewards for Justice website, his wanted poster remains on the FBI's site due to his history of orchestrating attacks against U.S. and coalition forces. Afghan officials have emphasized that this development marks a shift away from wartime dynamics and reflects constructive engagement between the U.S. and Taliban. The Taliban's control over its embassy in Norway and acceptance by other nations signify its growing international presence, despite ongoing concerns about human rights abuses under its rule. This diplomatic thaw may lead to further interactions between the Taliban and other global powers in the near future.