The Biden administration is engaged in delicate negotiations with the Taliban over a potential prisoner exchange involving three American citizens detained in Afghanistan and Muhammad Rahim al Afghani, a Guantanamo Bay prisoner alleged to have been a senior aide to Osama bin Laden. The talks, ongoing since mid-2024, have intensified as President Biden's term nears its end, with families of the detained Americans expressing growing frustration over the prolonged stalemate.
The proposed swap includes George Glezmann, a Delta Air Lines mechanic; Ryan Corbett, a consultant; and Mahmoud Habibi, who vanished in 2022 after the U.S. strike on al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. The Taliban denies holding Habibi, while Glezmann and Corbett have been designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained.
Negotiations began last year, with the White House reportedly offering to release Rahim in exchange for the Americans. However, the Taliban countered, requesting the release of Rahim and two additional prisoners in exchange for Glezmann and Corbett. Despite months of discussions, a final agreement remains elusive.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, speaking in a classified December briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged the administration's consideration of the Taliban's counteroffer. Representative Michael McCaul, the committee chair, reportedly expressed concerns that the terms were unfavorable to the U.S.
"The safety and security of Americans overseas is one of the Biden-Harris administration's top priorities," said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. "We are working around the clock to ensure George, Ryan, and Mahmoud's safe return."
The families of the detainees, however, are increasingly critical of the administration's pace. Anna Corbett, wife of Ryan Corbett, voiced her disillusionment, saying, "I haven't even been able to get a meeting with [President Biden] despite 16 trips to D.C. to fight for Ryan's release. It's hard to continue to have faith that he will use his power to bring my husband home."
Similarly, Aleksandra Glezmann, wife of George Glezmann, expressed her despair in an email to senior U.S. officials, stating, George thinks "his government doesn't care anyway and that he will likely rot in jail and never come home alive."
The Taliban has long sought Rahim's release. Held at Guantanamo Bay since 2008, Rahim was accused by the Department of Defense of being a close associate of bin Laden and participating in attacks on U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan. Rahim, however, has denied these allegations, describing himself as a linguist and asserting his desire to "pursue his love of cooking" if released.
Rahim's case has drawn mixed reactions. His lawyer, James Connell, stated that the charges against his client are "largely exaggerated," noting the absence of substantial evidence over 17 years. Nevertheless, a 2023 Guantanamo Bay review board upheld Rahim's detention, citing his connections to al Qaeda leaders.
The negotiations come at a politically sensitive time, with President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office later this month. Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden's approach to prisoner swaps and vowed to adopt a tougher stance. "Things will only get worse for any hostage-taker once President Trump assumes office," said Trump transition spokesman Brian Hughes.
The Biden administration recently transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman, a move aimed at reducing the prison population. However, the release of a high-profile detainee like Rahim could invite political backlash, particularly given the contentious U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
