Wife of U.S. Detainee Seeks Help from White House

The family of Ryan Corbett, an American detained by the Taliban for two years, is expressing deep concern over his treatment and the lack of urgency from the U.S. government in securing his release. Corbett's wife, Anna, revealed that he is being held in a windowless basement cell, where he faces threats of violence and is forced to endure the sounds of other prisoners being tortured. As the two-year mark of his detention approaches, Anna criticized the White House for focusing primarily on high-profile cases, stating, "I just don't know what else can be done." In addition to Corbett, the State Department has confirmed that at least two other Americans are also in Taliban custody: George Glezmann, a tourist detained in December 2022, and Mahmood Habibi, a dual American-Afghan national. Recent discussions between U.S. officials and the Taliban suggested a potential prisoner exchange involving three American detainees for three Afghan prisoners held by the U.S. However, conflicting statements from Taliban officials have raised questions about the number of Americans currently detained. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to keep Corbett's case a priority, stating he is committed to ensuring the White House remains engaged in efforts to secure his release. Following a series of meetings in Washington, Anna reported receiving communication from the White House, indicating a renewed focus on her husband's situation. Despite this, she remains anxious about the lack of progress and the emotional toll on her family.