US Lifts Bounties on Haqqani Network

The United States has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban figures: Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdulaziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani. This move, confirmed by officials in Afghanistan, follows the Taliban's release of United States prisoner George Glezmann. The decision is seen as a step towards pragmatic engagement and normalization of relations between the United States and the Taliban, aiming to move beyond the wartime phase. The Taliban views this as a significant victory in breaking its international isolation, especially for figures like Sirajuddin Haqqani, who has previously spoken out against the Taliban's authoritarianism. This development contrasts with the status of reclusive Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who faces potential arrest by the International — International Criminal Court. Other countries like China and Qatar have already engaged with the Taliban, and the Taliban's announcement of controlling Afghanistan's embassy in Norway further indicates their efforts towards international recognition.