Anna Corbett, whose husband Ryan has been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over three years, is hopeful that the incoming Trump administration will secure his release. Despite her persistent efforts, including multiple trips to Washington, D.C., and a recent phone call with President Joe Biden, Anna feels that the current administration has not made sufficient progress toward freeing her husband.
Ryan Corbett, an American businessman, was detained by Taliban forces on August 10, 2022, after returning to Afghanistan to continue his work with Bloom Afghanistan, an enterprise he founded to bolster the country’s private sector. While his Afghan and German colleagues were released months after their detention, Ryan remains in captivity, reportedly held for political leverage.
Anna’s recent interactions with the Biden administration have left her disheartened. She recounted a phone call with President Biden, during which she sensed a lack of commitment to bringing Ryan home. Additionally, she noted the prolonged effort it took to secure a meeting with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, which only occurred after 16 months of persistent requests.
In contrast, Anna has experienced a more responsive approach from the incoming administration. During a recent trip to Florida, she met with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, who spent over an hour discussing Ryan’s situation with her. This engagement has renewed her optimism that the new administration will prioritize her husband’s case.
The Corbett family’s ordeal began after they moved to Afghanistan in 2010 to contribute to the nation’s development. They evacuated during the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021 but maintained their commitment to their work in the region. Ryan’s return to Afghanistan in early 2022 was intended to renew his visa and train staff, demonstrating his dedication to the mission of Bloom Afghanistan.
As the transition of power approaches, Anna remains steadfast in her advocacy for Ryan’s release, urging continued prayers for his health and safety. She hopes that the Trump administration’s commitment to securing the return of American hostages will bring her husband back home.