• The U.S. has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani.
• The removal of bounties indicates potential normalization in U.S.-Taliban relations.
• The Taliban's actions, including the release of a U.S. prisoner, are seen as efforts to improve bilateral ties.

The United States has officially lifted bounties on three senior Taliban figures, marking a significant development in U.S.-Afghanistan relations. Among those affected is Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban's interior minister, known for leading a powerful faction responsible for violent attacks against the former Western-backed government in Afghanistan. According to officials in Kabul, this decision was confirmed on Sunday. The now-defunct bounties for Sirajuddin Haqqani, along with his relatives Abdul Aziz Haqqani and Yahya Haqqani, reflects a shift in America's policy regarding the Taliban's high-profile leaders. Haqqani, linked to a 2008 attack on the Serena Hotel that resulted in multiple fatalities, including that of a U.S. citizen, has previously been a focal point of U.S. counterterrorism efforts according to NPR.

Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani shared that the removal of these bounties is a sign of evolving relations between the Taliban and the United States. Additionally, the Taliban's recent gestures, such as the release of U.S. prisoner George Glezmann, are seen as constructive steps towards fostering better diplomatic ties. Zakir Jalaly, a foreign ministry official, commented that these moves signify a transition beyond the historical hostilities between the two nations, expressing hope for more pragmatic engagements moving forward.

The Taliban's ongoing efforts to normalize its international status have been particularly evident since the group's takeover in August 2021. In recent times, while China has been a prominent player in accepting Taliban diplomats, countries like Qatar have also acted as mediators in diplomatic talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. Despite the Taliban's ambitions, their rule has faced significant international scrutiny, especially regarding restrictions imposed on women as reported by SCMP.

While the lifting of bounties on these officials could be viewed as a diplomatic victory for the Taliban, it also contrasts starkly with the status of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader who faces potential consequences from international bodies for human rights violations. As the Taliban seeks to secure its position on the global stage, the recent changes reflect a complex interplay in Afghanistan's newly established order, fostering hope for improved interactions as noted by India Times.