Biden Engages Families of Americans Held by Taliban, Negotiation…

President Biden spoke with the families of three Americans held by the Taliban, emphasizing that no exchange deal has been finalized. The administration is negotiating their release in exchange for Guantanamo detainee Muhammad Rahim. The Taliban’s denial of holding one individual complicates matters, and frustrations from family representatives indicate a pressing need for action before the transition of administrations.

President Joe Biden held a conversation with the relatives of three Americans—Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi—whom the U.S. government is attempting to bring back from Afghanistan. However, no agreement has been finalized regarding their release in exchange for Muhammad Rahim, a Guantanamo Bay detainee. This call occurred amid negotiations to resolve their situation as Biden’s administration draws to a close.

Corbett was abducted by the Taliban in August 2022 during a business trip, while Glezmann was taken in December 2022. Additionally, Habibi, who worked for a telecommunications company in Kabul, missing since 2022, remains with the Taliban. The ongoing talks have slowed down as the Taliban has denied holding Habibi, complicating any potential agreement.

During the conversation with the families, President Biden indicated a firm stance that he would not engage in the exchange unless Habibi is freed. Ahmad Habibi, the brother of Mahmood, expressed gratitude for Biden’s commitment to not leaving his brother behind. Legal representatives for the families expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress in securing the release of their loved ones.

Dennis Fitzpatrick, representing Glezmann’s family, criticized the administration for their perceived inaction, emphasizing the urgency of bringing Glezmann home. Meanwhile, Ryan Fayhee, representing Corbett’s family, acknowledged Biden’s stance but urged action on the proposed deal, highlighting the importance of decision-making during times of crisis.

The White House confirmed that the President remains dedicated to securing the release of the three Americans. If no agreement is reached before the incoming Trump administration, it would inherit the negotiations amid uncertainties regarding policies on Guantanamo detainees.

Muhammad Rahim, considered a threat to U.S. security due to connections with al-Qaida, remains one of only a few detainees at Guantanamo with neither charges filed against him nor any classification as safe for release. Despite official claims regarding his dangerous nature, concerns also arise from Rahim’s limited communication and transparency with legal representatives.

In conclusion, President Biden’s conversation with the families of Americans held by the Taliban underscores the complexities of negotiating their release. Key points include Biden’s firm position on not trading Rahim without Habibi’s release and the critical legal representation advocating for the families involved. The upcoming transition to the Trump administration raises further questions about the future of these negotiations and the broader implications concerning Guantanamo detainees.

Original Source: apnews.com