Anna Corbett has sought the help of President-elect Donald Trump to secure the release of her husband, Ryan Corbett, who has been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over two years.

The devoted spouse's hopes for a possible solution rest with the new administration after negotiations for a prisoner swap under President Biden have stalled, as Fox News reports.

Anna Corbett traveled to Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in hope of securing a meeting with Trump. Her mission is to obtain his assistance in her husband's release—a task she struggled to accomplish under the current administration.

Despite more than two years of efforts to arrange a meeting with President Joe Biden, she was unable to secure one, leaving her desperate for an alternative.

Stalled Negotiations Amid Rising Tensions

Ryan Corbett was captured by the Taliban in August 2022 during the U.S.'s withdrawal from Afghanistan. His capture has been marked by numerous attempts at negotiation, particularly discussions involving a potential prisoner swap.

This deal, which proposed exchanging Muhammad Rahim al Afghani for Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmoud Habibi, has not advanced. This stagnation is reportedly due to the Taliban’s preference to negotiate with Trump’s administration rather than Biden’s.

Republicans have raised concerns about national security regarding the release of Rahim, who has been held at Guantánamo Bay since 2008.

As negotiations drag on, the conditions under which Ryan Corbett is held remain grim. Released detainees have reported that he is malnourished and often faints, living in poor conditions. Anna Corbett maintains hope that personal intervention might bring her husband home.

Urgent Plea to President-Elect Trump

Speaking about her efforts, Anna Corbett expressed her determination, stating, "I am absolutely desperate to fight for my family." She hopes for a swift meeting with Trump, contrasting the long wait experienced during Biden’s presidency. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if I got a meeting in one day,” she noted, after nearly three years without progress.

Ryan Corbett's last family contact was on Christmas Day. His wife describes the call as a difficult experience due to the length of his captivity. "He was obviously trying hard to be in good spirits for Christmas for the kids and I," she recalls, pointing to how this ongoing ordeal weighs heavily on their family.

Seeking Resolution and Reunification

Ryan, who traveled to Afghanistan on a business venture promoting the private sector, is recognized as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department. Despite these circumstances, the Taliban denies holding Mahmoud Habibi, which complicates negotiations. Ryan's health and well-being remain precarious according to reports from fellow detainees.

The financial aid extended by the U.S. to Afghanistan, approximately $3 billion since the withdrawal, emphasizes the complex and lingering connection between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Trump's upcoming evaluation of the prisoner swap represents a potential turning point. "I haven't looked at it. I have not been in favor of the trade," Trump remarked, but he is committed to reviewing the situation and may announce his decision soon.

Challenges of International Diplomacy

Anna Corbett describes Ryan as "an amazing person" and a "patriot." She believes that a decision regarding the deal is essential to ensure her husband's safe return. Her urgent mission underscores the personal dimensions of international diplomacy and the critical need for effective governmental intervention.

Despite the challenges, Anna Corbett remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. She points to Ryan's character, highlighting his altruistic intentions behind traveling to Afghanistan. "He asked me where things were at if there was progress," Anna reflected, adding that she had little positive news to share.

Path Forward for American Detainees

Anna’s hope is rejuvenated by the potential support from Trump. The possibility of an immediate response, compared to past experiences, fuels her determination. Her journey to Mar-a-Lago signifies a strategic pivot in her quest to free Ryan from Taliban captivity.

As political dynamics shift with the incoming administration, Anna Corbett emphasizes the urgency for action. The stalled negotiations highlight the delicate balance of power and diplomacy that shapes Ryan Corbett’s fate. Her plea is a stark reminder of the human cost behind international policy decisions.

In conclusion, the story of Anna and Ryan Corbett illustrates the intersection of personal perseverance and political negotiation. Their ordeal, marked by uncertainty and hope, reflects broader challenges in working towards diplomatic resolutions for detained Americans abroad.