Taliban says 2 Americans freed in prisoner swap and Ryan Corbett's family says he's one of them
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US-Taliban Prisoner Swap Frees Americans in Final Biden Deal
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Above: Upon arrival in Jalalabad on Jan. 21, 2025, Afghan warrior Khan Mohammad (C) addresses the media after being exchanged for American civilians. In a Qatar-brokered arrangement, the Taliban freed American prisoners in exchange for an Afghan combatant. Image copyright: Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released by the Taliban in exchange for Khan Mohammad, an Afghan prisoner who was serving a life sentence in California for drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
The prisoner exchange was negotiated over two years and concluded during President Biden's final hours in office, though the actual transfer occurred after Donald Trump's inauguration due to weather delays in Washington and Kabul.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The exchange represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the US and demonstrates the possibility of productive dialogue with the Taliban. The deal's success could pave the way for normalizing relations and securing the release of remaining detainees through peaceful negotiations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The prisoner swap raises concerns about trading convicted terrorists for American citizens, potentially encouraging future hostage-taking. The Taliban's timing of the release to coincide with Trump's presidency suggests political manipulation, and their continued detention of other Americans shows their unwillingness to fully cooperate.
