Faye Hall, an American citizen held up by the Taliban since February, was released Thursday and returned home to Wisconsin. Only a court order allowed her release to happen. Qatar offered logistical support and mediated on behalf of the United States. Hall is still in Kabul today, negotiating with Qatari officials. They are continuing to prepare for her return to the United States.
The eventual release of Faye Hall is considered a major diplomatic victory. US envoys Adam Boehler and Zalmay Khalilzad labored under the radar against, flying to Kabul throughout to win her freedom. Khalilzad thanked the Qatari government for their assistance throughout the process.
“American citizen Faye Hall, just released by the Taliban, is now in the care of our friends, the Qataris in Kabul, and will soon be on her way home. Thank you, #Qatar, for your ongoing and steadfast partnership.” – Zalmay Khalilzad
Upon release from Hall, she was given numerous medical examinations. A person with knowledge of her condition said she is doing very well. The accompanying photograph posted by Zalmay Khalilzad showed Hall flanked by Qatari diplomats, at the Qatari embassy in Kabul.
Faye Hall’s release comes on the heels of the United States’ decision to remove millions of dollars in bounties on three Taliban officials, namely Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani. Despite the earlier bounty removals, these four men continue to enjoy the title of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Simultaneously, the Haqqani Network remains precluded from U.S. designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
“remain designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), and the Haqqani Network remains designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a SDGT.” – US State Department spokesperson
The US State Department regularly reassess its Rewards for Justice program. Then they adjust it as needed to respond to new developments.
“It is the policy of the United States to consistently review and refine Rewards for Justice reward offers,” – US State Department spokesperson
