The Taliban Say They’re Ready to Release U.S. Prisoners. But Which Ones?

Negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban regarding the release of American detainees in Afghanistan have stalled. While several U.S. prisoners have been freed over the past year, disagreements persist over remaining detainees. The Taliban publicly stated they are willing to release two American detainees, one of whom is Dennis Walter Coyle, but are demanding the release of Muhammad Rahim, an Afghan inmate held at Guantánamo Bay, in return. The Trump administration insists on the release of a third American, accusing the Taliban of hostage diplomacy, which the Taliban denies. The Taliban's public statement signals an impasse in negotiations, which are a prerequisite for further diplomatic engagement.

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