“Since US financial aid to the Taliban has been cut off, the Taliban are trying to take foreign hostages to gain concessions from Western governments.”.
After the Taliban overthrew the government in 2021, they decided to remain in the country despite most of their staff, other Westerners and British diplomats exiting the country in a rapid withdrawal.
Since entering power, the Taliban has dramatically restricted the rights of women, which includes banning education for girls over the age of 12, not allowing them to work or speak in public.
A British couple in their 70s who have been detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban will be freed “soon”, the group have said.
“It seems that if Peter and Barbie are not released soon, Peter may lose his life because he needs medication, and the Taliban are not allowing him it.”.
