Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The daughter of a detained British couple in Afghanistan has called for their immediate release.
The family of a British couple detained by the Taliban has called on the UK Foreign Office to condemn their arrest and demand their immediate release. The couple, Peter Reynolds (79) and his wife, Barbie (75), were arrested in February while returning home to Bamyan, Afghanistan. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, urged British officials to act swiftly to secure their freedom.
Sarah Entwistle, the daughter of the detained couple, appealed to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to issue a public statement condemning the Taliban’s actions. She pointed out that if the U.S. government could secure the release of an American citizen, the British government should take similar action for her parents, who have been held without charges.
In response, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated that they were providing support to the family of the detained British nationals. However, the government has not publicly outlined any specific measures or actions being taken to secure the couple’s release, maintaining a cautious stance in the matter.
Reports suggest that the couple’s arrest may be linked to internal power struggles within the Taliban regime. The Telegraph revealed that the couple was detained under orders from a commander within the Haqqani network, a powerful faction of the Taliban. The detention was reportedly part of an effort to gain leverage in political negotiations with international governments.
The Haqqani network has long used hostage-taking as a tool to exert pressure on foreign governments. A senior Taliban official confirmed that the network was involved in the detention of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aiming to extract political concessions from their governments. This reflects the continued use of foreign hostages as bargaining chips in Taliban diplomacy.
The British government’s response to the Reynolds case has been more cautious compared to the U.S. approach. While the U.S. has been vocal in its efforts to secure the release of its citizens, including through diplomatic measures like removing rewards, the UK has been more reserved, leaving many questions about its strategy for securing the couple’s freedom.
The ongoing detentions highlight the risks faced by foreign nationals in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The case raises questions about how Western governments should navigate hostage situations with the Taliban. The handling of this case will likely set a precedent for future diplomatic strategies, emphasizing the need for a balance between negotiation and holding the Taliban accountable for their actions.