Taliban bar Corbetts from celebrating 20th anniversary together
A Heartbreaking Separation: A Couple’s 20th Anniversary Apart
A loving married couple with three children will spend their 20th wedding anniversary more than 6,000 miles away from one another — not by choice.
On Feb. 20, 2004, Anna and Ryan Corbett got married in New York before traveling to the United Kingdom and France on their honeymoon. They talked about redoing their honeymoon this February to celebrate two decades of marriage together. But Ryan Corbett can’t be with his wife or children this Tuesday because he’s been wrongfully detained, as determined by the State Department, by the Taliban in Afghanistan for more than a year and a half.
Anna Corbett, devastated by the situation, expressed her sadness and shock at being apart from her husband during their special month. She never expected their separation to continue into their 20th anniversary, with 558 days of being apart.
A Love Story Interrupted
The Corbetts moved to Afghanistan in 2010, where Ryan Corbett established a successful business consulting and microfinance company. However, their lives took a drastic turn when the Taliban took over in August 2021. The family had to evacuate, leaving Ryan behind to protect their business. Unfortunately, he was detained upon his return in August 2022.
Anna Corbett, determined to bring her husband home, has been shouldering the responsibilities of raising their three children alone. She has been tirelessly advocating for Ryan’s release, meeting with lawmakers and White House officials in Washington, D.C.
A Daily Struggle
Anna Corbett admits that the daily challenges of being separated from her husband have taken a toll on her. She recently experienced a breakdown, unable to cope with the situation. However, she remains resilient and continues to fight for Ryan’s freedom.
Her concerns for her husband’s well-being are growing, especially after seeing a recent photo of him. The couple has only been able to speak three times since Ryan’s detention, with their last conversation taking place on Christmas Day 2023.
A Standstill in Efforts
Despite Anna Corbett’s efforts and meetings with officials, progress in securing Ryan’s release seems to have stalled. She feels frustrated by the lack of action and worries that her husband’s health is deteriorating.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the rising trend of “hostage diplomacy” and the need for collective action to combat it. However, the process of negotiating for the release of wrongfully detained Americans often involves difficult concessions.
A Plea for Collective Action
While the Corbett family longs for Ryan’s safe return, they understand the complex nature of hostage diplomacy. They join the international community in calling for collective action to deter future detentions and put an end to this heartbreaking practice.
As the anniversary of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations approaches, the Corbetts’ story serves as a reminder of the numerous families affected by wrongful detentions.
Their hope remains unwavering, knowing that successful negotiations have led to the release of other wrongfully detained Americans. They eagerly await the day when they can be reunited and celebrate their love and resilience.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What diplomatic efforts have been made to secure Ryan Corbett’s release and reunite him with his family
And government officials to highlight his case and seek assistance in bringing him back home.
A Life on Hold
The separation has taken a toll on both Anna and Ryan Corbett. Anna, who had envisioned a romantic and celebratory 20th anniversary, finds herself grappling with sadness and disappointment. She had dreamed of renewing their vows and reliving the magic of their honeymoon. Instead, she is left with an empty space at the dinner table and a heart heavy with longing.
Ryan, on the other hand, has been enduring unimaginable hardship in captivity. The details of his detention remain unclear, but reports indicate that he has been subjected to physical and emotional abuse. His freedom has been stripped away, and every day that passes without progress towards his release only deepens his despair.
A Call for Action
The plight of the Corbett family is a heartbreaking reminder of the human impact of conflicts and political instability. It serves as a call to action for governments and international organizations to prioritize the protection and well-being of individuals caught in these volatile situations.
Anna Corbett’s unwavering determination and tireless efforts to bring her husband home deserve recognition. She has fought against all odds, never giving up on the hope of being reunited with her partner. Her advocacy has shed light on the plight of wrongfully detained individuals and serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Furthermore, it is crucial that diplomatic efforts be intensified to secure Ryan Corbett’s release and reunite him with his family. Governments and international organizations must employ all means at their disposal to address his case and ensure justice is served.
A Hope for Reunion
As the Corbetts face their 20th anniversary apart, their love and commitment continue to bind them together. Despite the physical distance, they remain connected in spirit and determination. Their story serves as a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
As the world watches, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution, let us remember the Corbett family and all those who are unjustly separated from their loved ones. May their story serve as a reminder of the urgent need for justice, compassion, and a world free from warfare and conflict.
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