President Joe Biden recently spoke with the families of three Americans currently held in Afghanistan, as the U.S. government seeks to negotiate their release. The individuals in question are Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi. Corbett was abducted by the Taliban in August 2022, while Glezmann was taken by the Taliban's intelligence services in December 2022. Habibi, an Afghan American businessman, went missing in 2022 and is believed to be held by the Taliban.
The U.S. government is exploring a potential deal that could involve the release of Guantanamo detainee Muhammad Rahim in exchange for the three Americans. However, negotiations have not yet resulted in an agreement. President Biden assured the families that he would not trade Rahim unless the Taliban releases Habibi.
The families of the detained Americans expressed gratitude for Biden's involvement but also urged him to take action on the proposed deal. They emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.
If a resolution is not reached before the end of Biden's term, the incoming Trump administration may continue the negotiations. Rahim, one of the remaining detainees at Guantanamo, has been described as a significant security threat by U.S. officials, despite never being formally charged.
The U.S. government's efforts to secure the release of Americans held overseas have been ongoing, with recent successful exchanges such as the swap of a Taliban drug lord for an American civilian contractor. The situation remains fluid, and the families of the detained individuals are hopeful for a positive outcome in the near future.
