An Afghan prisoner held in US custody has been released as part of a prisoner swap, according to Afghanistan’s foreign ministry. The exchange took place in return for the release of American citizens, marking a significant diplomatic development. The foreign ministry praised Qatar’s involvement, calling it a prime example of resolving issues through dialogue.
In a related issue, nearly 1,660 Afghan refugees approved for resettlement in the US, including the families of US military personnel and individuals who had worked with the former Afghan government, are facing canceled flights. The cancellations come under an order from President Donald Trump, who suspended US refugee programs as part of his immigration crackdown. This move has left many Afghans stranded, with some at risk of Taliban retribution for their past collaboration with US forces.
Shawn VanDiver, leader of the AfghanEvac coalition, expressed concern over the decision, highlighting the emotional toll on those affected. The refugees include unaccompanied minors and individuals at significant risk due to their affiliations. The suspension has been met with backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who criticized the decision as abandoning Afghan allies and leaving them vulnerable to the Taliban.
This decision is part of a broader series of executive orders expected under Trump’s administration, including a temporary halt to refugee resettlement in the US. While the Biden administration had previously facilitated the resettlement of nearly 200,000 Afghans, the new policy has left many in limbo.
Source : https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587203/world