American hostages?

Listen to article

The new Trump administration seems to have hit a landmine while dealing with Afghanistan. Reports that Taliban 2.0 leadership is deceptively holding a large number of Americans as hostages has raised eyebrows, compelling Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hint at severe retributory measures. Rubio was quoted as saying that Washington might place "very big bounty" on top Taliban leaders to pressurise them to release the unannounced detained Americans. He went on to stipulate that the head-money could be to the gigantic proportion of that placed on Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The point is there seems to be some confusion between the two countries, as such an irritant was not among them since the hurried withdrawal of US forces from the southwest Asian state in August 2021. Moreover, the State Department was in conformity with Kabul in furthering coordination and counter-terrorism measures in the region.

The lid apparently has been blown off after a swap of prisoners between the two, wherein the US released an Afghan national, Khan Mohammad, in lieu of two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty. Perhaps as a snowball reaction, Washington learnt of more Americans in Taliban custody leading to kicking of the can. The instant reaction from Rubio confirms the policy format of 'America first' that President Trump wants to usher in, but is in need of some considerate calculations.

A knee-jerk reaction, when dealing with the Taliban, has never worked; and even if there are any hostages in Afghanistan, the issue can be handled in a sustained diplomatic manner by engaging the reclusive regime in Kabul. Slapping of sanctions and pushing the leadership to the wall has not worked, and is unlikely to bear any fruitful results.

At a time when President Trump has shunned wars and conflicts, and wants a minimum engagement with flashpoints of the world, the way out is to further the specter of cooperation in counter-terrorism, and working together to flush out remnants of Al-Qaeda, ISIK and TTP. While there has been no rejoinder from Taliban over 'more' hostages, the issues should not be blown out of proportion by the US. The Taliban too should come out straight over the issue. Working together is the way to go.