US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the ruling Taliban movement in Afghanistan of holding American citizens as leverage and employing “terrorist tactics,” including kidnapping for ransom or policy concessions. Rubio demanded an end to the practice of “hostage diplomacy” and warned that Afghanistan is unsafe for American travelers, highlighting the regime’s alleged use of detention as a political tool.
This designation places Afghanistan on a blacklist established under an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, targeting governments accused of “hostage diplomacy.” Notably, the Iranian government received the same designation on February 27, just a day before a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic, raising questions about the timing and geopolitical motivations behind such labels.
US officials claim that the Taliban is holding two Americans—Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman and former head of Afghanistan’s civil aviation authority, and Dennis Coyle, an academic detained in January 2025. Habibi’s family reports he disappeared in Kabul in August 2022, though the Taliban denies holding him. The US State Department has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his return, underscoring the high stakes involved.
At a UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Mike Waltz expressed “deep skepticism” about the Taliban’s willingness to meet international commitments or respect Afghanistan’s obligations. He urged a reassessment of international assistance to Afghanistan, citing the Taliban’s denial of basic rights to women, such as banning female staff from offices. Waltz’s comments reflect growing international friction over aid distribution amid restrictive policies.
Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with the World Food Program estimating that one-third of the population suffers from acute food shortages. This dire situation is compounded by the Taliban’s new laws that severely restrict women’s participation in public life and basic freedoms, exacerbating societal and economic challenges in the war-torn country.
Source: www.dw.com