President Biden spoke with families of three Americans held by the Taliban, but a deal for their release remains uncertain
Washington: So, President Biden had a chat with the families of three Americans stuck in Afghanistan. They’re trying to figure out a way to bring them home, but it’s not going smoothly. Family members say no deal has been made yet.
These Americans include Ryan Corbett, who was taken by the Taliban while on a business trip, and George Glezmann, an airline mechanic who was also captured. Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan American businessman, is also missing. The FBI says he was taken along with others, but most have been freed.
The Taliban claims they don’t have Habibi, which makes things tricky for the U.S. in negotiations. During the call, Biden made it clear he wouldn’t trade a detainee from Guantanamo unless Habibi is released first. His brother, Ahmad, appreciated Biden’s stance and support.
However, some family lawyers are frustrated. They feel the White House isn’t doing enough to bring their loved ones home. They believe a deal is possible and urge Biden to act on it. They want him to make tough decisions for the sake of American lives.
The White House confirmed the call and reiterated their commitment to bringing these Americans back. But if nothing happens before January 20, the next administration will have to take over negotiations, and it’s uncertain how they would handle it.
Right now, only 15 men remain at Guantanamo, and one of them is Muhammad Rahim, who’s been there for years without charges. He’s considered a threat, but there’s been no public evidence against him. His attorney claims he’s being silenced by the U.S. government.
In the past, the Biden administration did manage to swap a Taliban drug lord for an American contractor, so there’s hope that something can be worked out for these families too.
