After an agonizing period of nearly eight months, Peter and Barbara Reynolds, a British couple, have finally been released from detention in Afghanistan. Their freedom comes after persistent advocacy from their family and a noticeable surge in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Western nationals held by the Taliban.
Peter, 80, and Barbara, 76, had a deep-rooted connection to Afghanistan, where they spent almost two decades running vital education programs. Their ordeal began on February 1st when they were apprehended while returning to their home in Bamiyan Province, a central region of the country.
A spokesperson for the Afghan foreign ministry, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, stated on social media that the couple had “violated the laws of Afghanistan” and were released “following the judicial process.” However, specific details regarding the accusations against them remained notably vague.
The Reynolds’ release coincides with renewed diplomatic pushes by Western nations, including the United States, to free their citizens. Just last week, Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s special envoy for hostage affairs, made a rare visit to Kabul, meeting with Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. While the Taliban hinted at a potential “exchange of detainees,” neither the White House nor the State Department offered further comment.
Crucially, the Qatari government played a pivotal role in facilitating the couple’s release, as confirmed by both Afghan and British officials. After the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, most European nations, including Britain, withdrew their diplomatic staff. However, Qatar maintained its embassy in Kabul and kept open vital communication channels with the Taliban authorities.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his gratitude to Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, acknowledging Qatar’s “vital role” in bringing about the couple’s freedom.
Throughout their detention, the couple’s children, David and Sarah Entwistle, tirelessly campaigned for their parents’ release. For the initial months, Peter and Barbara were held separately in Kabul’s Pul-e-Charki prison. They were later transferred to a facility managed by Afghanistan’s principal intelligence agency, yet their children received minimal information about their situation. In a distressing update in July, Ms. Entwistle revealed her father required urgent treatment for skin cancer.
The Reynolds’ commitment to Afghanistan dates back to their younger years, having married in Kabul over five decades ago, according to their company’s website. When the Taliban regained control and Western forces withdrew, many charitable organizations evacuated their personnel.
However, the Reynolds chose to remain. They adapted to the new reality, continuing their workshops, hiring new staff, and operating under Taliban rule through their company, Rebuild, which even listed the Afghan government as a client.
Their company, based in Kabul, extended its operations across the country. While offering management and leadership training, Ms. Entwistle highlighted one program that focused on teaching parenting skills to young mothers.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions, barring girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade and curtailing most professional activities for women. In response, some international organizations have endeavored to offer Afghan women professional training in handicrafts and other trades still accessible to them.
Following the couple’s release, the British government reiterated its strong advice against travel to Afghanistan. Hamish Falconer, Britain’s minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, emphasized that Britain’s capacity to assist its citizens in the country is “extremely limited.” This warning comes amidst a noticeable increase in Western tourists, including travel influencers, who often highlight Afghanistan’s stunning scenery without acknowledging the harsh restrictions faced by its people. Stephen Castle contributed reporting from London.