U.S. Drops Bounties on Top Taliban Leaders—What’s the Real Cost?

​In a significant and controversial move, the United States has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban figures, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, the current Interior Minister of Afghanistan and leader of the notorious Haqqani network. This decision marks a notable shift in U.S. policy and has sparked discussions about its implications for U.S.-Taliban relations and regional stability.​

Sparked discussions…that’s a kind way of putting it. When I first wrote about the Taliban freeing American citizen George Glezmann, I noted that we did not have to release any of their people we may have in custody. This made me think of my first class on my first day of college. Bear with me for a minute. In that class, the professor had written on the whiteboard:

“There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

He felt it was something that we, as 18-year-olds, should learn quickly about the ways of the world. This means, of course, that you don’t get something for nothing. And sure as hell, the Taliban doesn’t just give one of their American detainees back because they are nice guys. They wanted something, and today, we found out what that was. 

I have one question for you, my brothers and sisters: when did the US government start negotiating with terrorists?

Background on the Haqqani Network

The Haqqani network is a powerful Islamist militant (terrorist) group with deep ties in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has played a major role in regional conflicts for decades and is known for its advanced guerrilla tactics and connections to other international terrorist groups.

The group was founded in the 1970s by Jalaluddin Haqqani, a member of the Zadran Pashtun tribe. He rose to prominence during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, when he was supported by both U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies as a mujahideen leader. Jalaluddin died in 2018, and leadership passed to his son, Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is considered more radical than his father. Under his command, the group has strengthened its relationships with al-Qaeda and other extremist networks.

Since 1995, the Haqqani network has been affiliated with the Taliban, operating as a semi-independent faction within its structure. Even though it pledged allegiance to the Taliban, it has retained its own leadership and operational freedom. After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Haqqani network was given key responsibilities in domestic security, including oversight of the Interior Ministry.

The group has carried out numerous high-profile attacks over the years. These include the 2008 bombing at the Serena Hotel in Kabul and the 2011 assault on the U.S. Embassy and NATO headquarters in the Afghan capital. It has also conducted frequent suicide bombings and kidnappings. Most of its operations are concentrated in southeastern Afghanistan, particularly in Khost, Paktia, and Paktika provinces, and it uses safe havens across the border in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region.

The Haqqani network has close ties with terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. It has also targeted Indian diplomatic and security interests in Afghanistan. Though Pakistan denies it, elements within the Pakistani security establishment have been accused of supporting the Haqqanis as a proxy force to maintain strategic leverage in Afghanistan.

In 2012, the United States formally designated the Haqqani network as a terrorist organization. The United Nations followed suit, listing it under Resolution 1988 for its involvement in financing and carrying out terrorist attacks.

Overall, the Haqqani network remains one of the most capable and dangerous insurgent groups in the region. Its ability to adapt, operate across borders, and connect local militants with global jihadist movements makes it a persistent threat to regional and international security.

Timing and Potential Motivations

The decision to lift the bounties came just two days after the Taliban released Mr. Glezmann on March 21. The timing suggests a potential shift in relations between the U.S. and the Taliban, nearly four years after the group returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

There are several possible reasons behind this move. Some see it as part of a broader diplomatic effort to normalize relations between the U.S. and the Taliban-led government. The release of the American prisoner may have been a key factor, with the bounty removal seen as a reciprocal gesture aimed at encouraging further cooperation. Others view it as a strategic decision by the U.S. to engage more directly with the Taliban in hopes of achieving specific goals, such as counterterrorism cooperation or regional stability.

By lifting the bounties, the U.S. could also be signaling support for more moderate figures within the Taliban leadership—those who are willing to engage with the international community. From the Taliban’s perspective, the decision presents an opportunity to ease their diplomatic isolation and potentially open the door to greater international recognition or relief from sanctions.

However, this development should not be seen as a full endorsement of the Taliban regime. Sirajuddin Haqqani remains on the FBI’s wanted list as of March 23, 2025, and many serious concerns persist—especially regarding the Taliban’s treatment of women and human rights more broadly. While the removal of the bounties may mark a change in tone, it doesn’t mean that the U.S. has abandoned its criticisms or conditions for further engagement. At least I hope it doesn’t.

Implications for US-Taliban Relations

Some analysts see the lifting of the bounties as a calculated move by the United States to open the door for more diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. Ibraheem Bahiss, an analyst with the International Crisis Group’s Asia program, described the decision as “a win for Taliban officials wanting to demonstrate that engagement with the international community can yield tangible results.” He added that the U.S. is showing it’s willing to “reward individual compromises or cooperation from Taliban figures, even if those actions don’t yet translate into broader national policy reforms.”

International Reactions and Concerns

Despite this gesture, the Taliban’s global standing remains contentious, primarily due to their policies affecting women and girls. The international community continues to express concern over human rights violations under Taliban rule, which hampers their quest for legitimacy and the lifting of broader sanctions. The U.S. and other nations have maintained that any normalization of relations is contingent upon significant policy reforms by the Taliban, particularly regarding human rights. ​

Looking Forward

The U.S. decision to lift bounties on senior Taliban leaders represents a complex and nuanced shift in policy. While it may open avenues for diplomatic engagement, it also raises questions about accountability and the future direction of U.S.-Taliban relations. As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely monitoring the Taliban’s actions, especially concerning human rights and counterterrorism commitments.