Fact Check: did trump release the new ruler of Afghanistan in 2018?

Did Trump Release the New Ruler of Afghanistan in 2018?

The claim that former President Donald Trump released the new ruler of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, from prison in 2018 has circulated widely. This assertion suggests a direct link between Trump's actions and Baradar's subsequent rise to power within the Taliban and Afghanistan's political landscape. However, the specifics of this claim require careful examination.

What We Know

1. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar's Background: Baradar is a co-founder of the Taliban and served as its deputy leader. He was captured in 2010 by Pakistani authorities and held in prison until his release in 2018. Reports indicate that his release was facilitated by the Trump administration, which sought to engage the Taliban in peace negotiations 49.

2. Trump Administration's Peace Efforts: In 2018, the Trump administration was actively pursuing peace talks with the Taliban, aiming to end the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan. The administration's strategy included negotiating with key Taliban figures, including Baradar, who was seen as a crucial player in these discussions 259.

3. Details of Baradar's Release: Baradar was released in October 2018, reportedly at the request of the U.S. government, which was looking to promote dialogue with the Taliban. His release was part of broader efforts to initiate peace talks that culminated in the U.S.-Taliban agreement signed in February 2020 410.

4. Baradar's Role Post-Release: Following his release, Baradar became a prominent figure in the Taliban's political structure and was involved in negotiations that led to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. In August 2021, as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, Baradar emerged as a key leader, eventually being named Deputy Prime Minister 49.

Analysis

The claim that Trump released Baradar, who is now considered a key leader in Afghanistan, is supported by several credible sources. However, the interpretation of this action as a direct cause of Baradar's rise to power is more complex.

1. Source Reliability: The sources cited include major news outlets like The Washington Post, BBC, and NPR, which are generally regarded as reliable. However, some sources, such as Snopes and The Dispatch, provide fact-checking perspectives that can help clarify the nuances of the claim 910. It is important to consider the potential biases of these outlets; for instance, The Dispatch may have a conservative leaning, which could influence its framing of the events.

2. Methodological Concerns: While many reports confirm that Baradar was released due to U.S. diplomatic efforts, the extent to which this release directly influenced the Taliban's political dynamics is less clear. The timeline of events shows that Baradar's release coincided with ongoing negotiations, but attributing his rise solely to Trump's actions oversimplifies the complex political landscape in Afghanistan 2510.

3. Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their political affiliations or the narratives they promote. For example, the framing of Trump's actions as either a diplomatic success or a failure can vary significantly depending on the political stance of the publication.

4. Additional Context: Understanding the broader implications of U.S.-Taliban negotiations and the historical context of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan is crucial. The dynamics of Afghan politics, the role of other international actors, and the internal divisions within the Taliban also play significant roles in shaping the current situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The assertion that former President Donald Trump released Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from prison in 2018 is supported by credible evidence, including reports from major news outlets. Baradar's release was indeed facilitated by the Trump administration as part of broader peace negotiations with the Taliban. However, while this action contributed to Baradar's subsequent rise within the Taliban, attributing his ascent solely to Trump's decision oversimplifies the complex political dynamics at play in Afghanistan.

It is important to note that the evidence does not definitively establish a direct causal relationship between Trump's actions and Baradar's rise to power. The political landscape in Afghanistan is influenced by numerous factors, including internal Taliban dynamics and the roles of other international actors. Additionally, the potential biases of various sources should be considered when interpreting these events.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context surrounding U.S.-Taliban relations and the intricate nature of Afghan politics.

Sources

1. The Trump Administration's Afghanistan Policy | Congress.gov | Library of Congress. Link
2. Trump’s Deal with the Taliban, Explained - The Washington Post. Link
3. US has conceded too much to Taliban, says Afghan vice- ... - BBC. Link
4. One Of These Men Is Likely To Be Afghanistan's Next Ruler - NPR. Link
5. Afghan Conflict: US and Taliban Sign Deal to End 18-Year War - BBC. Link
6. Trump, Taliban Leader Talk as Prisoner Feud Threatens ... - Reuters. Link
7. How Trump’s Plan to Secretly Meet With the Taliban Came Together, and Fell Apart - The New York Times. Link
8. Trump’s Deal With the Taliban Draws Fire From His Former Allies - The New York Times. Link
9. Did Trump Admin Get Taliban Leader Out of Pakistani Prison? - Snopes. Link
10. Assessing Claims That Trump Freed the Leader of Afghanistan From Prison - The Dispatch. Link