Bounties on Sirajuddin, other key Taliban leaders removed: Why US has eased restrictions on the Haqqani network

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In yet another unprecedented move, the Trump administration has removed bounties on three senior Taliban figures, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister and leader of the Haqqani network. Notably, a USD 10 million reward was offered for information leading to the capture of Sirajuddin, reflecting his prominent role in the Haqqani network's activities.

Sirajuddin, who acknowledged planning a January 2008 attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul, which killed six people, including US citizen Thor David Hesla, no longer appears on the State Department's Rewards for Justice website. The FBI website on Sunday still featured a wanted poster for him.

The move has garnered widespread attention and debate raising questions about US counterterrorism strategy and the country’s peace negotiations in Afghanistan, given the fact that Haqqani network is accused of carrying out several deadly attacks in Afghanistan during the US-led war in the country, including attacks of American and Indian embassies.

The Haqqani network is currently a part of the Taliban government controlling Afghanistan since 2021, when foreign troops withdrew from the country following a deal with the US and Taliban during the first term of President Trump.

The move follows a meeting between US officials and Taliban government in Kabul to secure the release of an American tourist, detained since 2022. Last week, Taliban released George Glezmann, an American detained in Afghanistan for more than two years, in a ‘goodwill gesture’.

The Taliban agreed to release Glezmann in exchange for improved diplomatic relations with the US, rather than their previous demand for the release of Taliban prisoners. This negotiation was mediated by Qatar and marked a significant achievement for the Trump administration, which prioritized the return of Americans detained abroad.

Possible Rationale

A central argument is that lifting the bounties is another ‘goodwill gesture’ aimed at fostering trust and progress in the ongoing peace negotiations with the Taliban, which was initiated through the Doha agreement. The broader goal is to achieve stability in Afghanistan and ensure a responsible withdrawal of US troops.

By easing punitive measures, the US seeks to encourage the Taliban to sever ties with terrorist organizations and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for extremist groups.

The Trump administration, at times, has made claims that the Taliban has been cooperating with the US in counter-terrorism operations, and that the bounties are no longer needed. This claim has also been heavily contested.

Concerns

Several have contended that removing the bounties could be perceived as a concession to the Taliban, potentially undermining the sacrifices made by US and coalition forces and emboldening insurgent activities.

Lifting the bounties is seen by some as a concession that weakens the U.S. negotiating position and reduces its leverage in the peace process. They argue that it sends a message of weakness and emboldens the Taliban.