A British couple, Peter Reynolds, 80, and Barbara Reynolds, 76, has been released after approximately eight months of detention in Afghanistan. The Reynolds, who had operated educational programs in the country for nearly two decades, had opted to remain in Afghanistan following the 2021 withdrawal of Western troops and the Taliban’s return to power, even as many other charities evacuated their personnel. One of their programs focused on teaching parenting skills to young mothers, and their daughter had previously stated that Mr. Reynolds required urgent treatment for skin cancer.
Their release was facilitated by the Qatari government, occurring amid increased efforts by Western nations, including the United States, to secure the freedom of their citizens held by the Taliban. Unlike Britain and other European countries that withdrew diplomatic staff in 2021, Qatar has maintained an embassy in Kabul and continued diplomatic engagement with the Taliban government.
Following the couple’s release, the British government reiterated its advisory recommending against all travel to Afghanistan. Hamish Falconer, Britain’s Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, stated that Britain’s capacity to support its citizens in Afghanistan “is extremely limited.”
Source: www.nytimes.com