Nidhish Waghmare
The US State Department has confirmed the detention of three American citizens by the Taliban in Afghanistan, raising urgent concerns about their safety and well-being. The detained individuals are Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi. The Taliban has admitted to holding Corbett and Glezmann but denies detaining Habibi, despite evidence to the contrary.
Ryan Corbett: A Mission to Help Afghans
Ryan Corbett, originally from New York, founded “Bloom Afghanistan” in 2017 to support Afghanistan’s private sector through business consulting, microfinance lending, and project evaluation. After the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August 2021, Corbett left the country with his family. He returned in August 2022 to train his staff, only to be detained despite holding a valid visa.
Corbett’s lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, has reported severe mistreatment during his 22 months of detention, including beatings, food deprivation, and lack of sunlight and human interaction. Corbett’s health has significantly deteriorated, with fainting spells and considerable weight loss. The Taliban has denied consular access and adequate medical assistance, leading Fayhee to describe the situation as “hostage diplomacy.”
Anna Corbett, Ryan’s wife, has made a public plea to President Joe Biden, urging him to secure her husband’s release before it is too late. Fayhee emphasized that the Taliban’s actions are counterproductive, as they seek international legitimacy while detaining and torturing foreign citizens.
George Glezmann: A Tourist Turned Detainee
George Glezmann, a 65-year-old airline mechanic from Atlanta, traveled to Afghanistan in December 2022 for a brief cultural visit. He has spent the past 18 months in a small underground cell, often in solitary confinement. Glezmann’s health has deteriorated, with conditions such as facial tumors, hypertension, and severe malnutrition.
The US Congress recently passed a resolution demanding Glezmann’s release, highlighting the lack of charges or judicial proceedings against him. His wife, Aleksandra Glezmann, has appealed to the Taliban for his release on humanitarian grounds, stressing that he was a tourist on a personal mission to visit 100 countries.
Mahmood Habibi: A Case of Mistaken Identity?
Mahmood Habibi, a civil aviation expert with US citizenship, was arrested on August 10, 2022, following a raid on his home. The Taliban allegedly detained Habibi in retaliation for the US strike that killed Al-Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Despite this, the Taliban denies holding Habibi.
Habibi’s wife and young daughter have had no contact with him since his detention. The US Congress has also called for his release, urging the Taliban to respect his human rights and allow health and safety visits. Habibi’s sister, Amna Nawaz, told PBS that her brother chose to live and work in Afghanistan to contribute to its future.
The US Government’s Stance
The US government has declared all three men wrongfully detained. The State Department is working to secure their release, emphasizing the importance of respecting international norms and human rights. The Biden administration faces increasing pressure to leverage its influence over the Taliban, who seek global recognition and the lifting of sanctions.
The detentions of Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi highlight the complex and dangerous situation for foreign nationals in Afghanistan. As their families and the US government push for their release, the international community watches closely. The resolution of these cases could significantly impact the Taliban’s quest for legitimacy on the world stage.
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