Biden Faces Criticism Over Taliban Hostage Negotiations as Families Seek Action

President Biden speaks with families of Americans detained by the Taliban but indicates no deal will be finalized before his term ends.

President Joe Biden called the families of three Americans held by the Taliban since 2022, emphasizing his administration's commitment to securing their release but confirming no deal has been reached.
Negotiations with the Taliban reportedly involve a proposed prisoner exchange for Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay with alleged ties to Al-Qaeda, but terms remain unresolved.
Anna Corbett, wife of detained aid worker Ryan Corbett, expressed disappointment after Biden's call, saying she doubts her husband will be released during the current administration.
President-elect Donald Trump has signaled interest in the case, with families of detainees seeking to engage his team before his inauguration.
The Taliban has countered U.S. proposals with demands for additional prisoner releases, complicating efforts to secure the return of the detained Americans.