Qatar: US praises Tamim for Taliban deal

US President Barack Obama has publicly thanked Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for his role in securing the release of US Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who was held captive by the Taliban for nearly five years. “For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the emir of Qatar,” Obama said in a 31 May statement. “The emir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries.”Qatar helped to arrange a prisoner exchange deal, which also saw five Taliban prisoners turned over to Qatari custody.