Ryan Corbett, a 41-year-old American citizen, has been detained by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan for the past two years after he was arrested while on a business trip with three associates, including a German citizen and two Afghans.

Since his detention, Corbett has been accused, though never formally charged, of anti-state activities by the Taliban, and now his wife is fighting to secure help from the White House in gaining her husband's release from what reports suggest is his detention in a windowless basement cell under deteriorating conditions, as the New York Post reports.

Wife's Plea for U.S. Government Intervention

Anna Corbett, Ryan's wife, has made multiple efforts to secure her husband's release, appealing directly to the Biden administration.

Last week, she recorded a heartfelt plea outside the White House, urging the administration to fulfill its promise of helping to bring her husband home.

The plea, filmed by her teenage daughter Ketsia, was made in front of the West Wing, just yards away from where President Biden and national security adviser Jake Sullivan were reportedly sitting.

Anna's frustration stems from unmet promises by the administration. In January, she met with Sullivan, who assured her that he would meet with her again by the time of the State of the Union address if Ryan had not been released by then. Despite her repeated efforts and numerous emails, her requests for a follow-up meeting have gone unanswered, leaving her feeling ignored and abandoned by the government.

Corbett Family’s History in Afghanistan

The Corbett family has a long history in Afghanistan, having lived in Kabul from 2010 until the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Ryan Corbett, fluent in Pashto, initially worked with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) before establishing a microloan and consulting business.

His commitment to the country and its people was evident in his decision to return to Afghanistan a year after the U.S. withdrawal, despite a high-level travel advisory warning against travel to the region.

Ryan’s return to Afghanistan was motivated by a desire to support his business staffers and continue his work, but it ultimately led to his detention. The circumstances of his arrest, coming on the heels of a high-profile U.S. military action, have only added to the complexity and urgency of his case.

Unmet Promises and Continued Efforts

Anna Corbett’s efforts to secure her husband's release have been met with limited success. Despite her meeting with Jake Sullivan in January and his promise of a follow-up meeting, there has been no further communication from the administration. Anna has expressed her frustration, stating that she feels her pleas are being ignored.

“When I met with [Sullivan] in January, he said that he would meet with me again by the State of the Union if Ryan wasn’t home,” Anna said. “I have written emails, I have asked to meet with him — they’ve all been ignored. He broke his promise to me.”

Anna's determination to bring her husband home has not wavered, but the lack of response from the administration has left her feeling increasingly isolated. She has pointed out the disparity in attention given to detainees with high profiles, arguing that all Americans in similar situations deserve the government's full attention and support.

Anna Corbett’s Emotional Plea Outside White House

Standing just yards away from the White House, Anna Corbett delivered an emotional message to the Biden Administration. “Please meet with me and do everything you can to bring Ryan home as soon as possible,” she pleaded. Her words were filled with desperation and a sense of urgency, reflecting the dire situation her husband is facing.

Anna’s plea was not just for her husband but also for the principle that every American, regardless of their profile, deserves the government's full attention in times of crisis. “It should not be the case that only detainees with high profiles get this White House’s full attention,” she said, highlighting the disparity she feels exists in how different cases are handled.

Conclusion: A Family Desperate for Answers

Anna Corbett’s tireless efforts to secure her husband's release have yet to yield results. Despite promises from the Biden administration, her requests for further meetings have been ignored, leaving her to continue her fight alone.

Ryan Corbett, detained for two years without formal charges, remains in a windowless cell in Afghanistan, his condition reportedly worsening.

The Corbett family, once residents of Kabul, now find themselves separated by thousands of miles and a seemingly indifferent bureaucracy.

Anna’s plea to the White House is a stark reminder of the personal toll that international conflicts and diplomatic challenges can take on ordinary Americans. As she continues her fight, the question remains: will the Biden administration fulfill its promise and bring Ryan Corbett home?