President Joe Biden recently spoke with the families of three Americans held by the Taliban, including Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi. Despite discussions, no agreement has been reached regarding their release, as Biden insists on Habibi’s return before considering a deal involving Muhammad Rahim, a Guantanamo Bay detainee. The families are expressing concern over the lack of progress and urging the administration to act swiftly.
On September 30, 2024, President Joe Biden communicated with the families of three Americans currently held by the Taliban. Despite the discussions, no tangible agreement has been made regarding their return. The families of Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi are actively seeking their repatriation amidst ongoing negotiations involving Muhammad Rahim, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay.
Ryan Corbett was abducted during a business trip in Afghanistan in August 2022, having resided there with his family during the government’s collapse. George Glezmann, an airline mechanic from Atlanta, was taken in December 2022. Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman, was also seized in 2022 along with other employees, although the Taliban denies holding him.
During the call, President Biden asserted that his administration would not entertain the idea of trading Muhammad Rahim unless the Taliban releases Habibi. Ahmad Habibi articulated his family’s appreciation for Biden’s commitment to their brother’s safe return, stating, “He said he would not leave him behind. My family is very grateful that he is standing up for my brother.”
Dennis Fitzpatrick, representing Glezmann’s family, criticized the administration’s lack of progress, declaring it inhumane. Similarly, Ryan Fayhee, representing Corbett’s relatives, recognized Biden’s communication while urging him to act decisively, contending that “the decision to accept [the deal] resides exclusively with the President.”
The White House confirmed the discussion emphasizing its ongoing effort to reunite these Americans, reflecting Biden’s commitment to addressing wrongful detention abroad. However, it did not address the families’ grievances directly. If an agreement is not reached before January 20, the negotiation responsibility will pass to the incoming Trump administration, potentially altering the current diplomatic approach.
In summary, President Biden’s recent conversation with the families of Americans held by the Taliban reflects ongoing efforts to negotiate their release, yet substantial challenges remain. The administration’s firm stance entails that no exchange will occur without the release of Mahmood Habibi by the Taliban. The families of the detainees continue to advocate for urgent action, while the outcome of negotiations remains uncertain as the transition to the next administration approaches.
Original Source: apnews.com
