Surprising FactBaradar was captured near the Pakistani city of Karachi in 2010. At the time, his arrest — planned jointly by Pakistani and U.S. operatives — was interpreted as a major victory in the United States’ fight against Taliban insurgents. But Pakistani authorities released him eight years later, a decision some news outlets have tied to the United States’ desire to jumpstart peace talks with the Taliban. Key BackgroundThe Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, after rapidly sweeping through the country as Afghan security forces capitulated, following the United States’ decision to withdraw all military personnel from Afghanistan this year. Further ReadingA Taliban Leader Emerges: Hunted, Jailed and Now Free (Wall Street Journal)

Source: Forbes August 18, 2021 00:45 UTC