Free Republic

An Afghan negotiator has given the Chosun Ilbo an insight into the hidden story of negotiations with the Taliban for the release of 21 Koreans held captive by the Islamist group. Lawmaker Abdul Salam Raketi said Taliban militants have refused to meet tribal elders, who usually play a central role in hostage negotiations. Raketi was himself a senior member of the Taliban and led abductions in the past. In an exclusive interview, Raketi spoke at his house in the Afghan capital of Kabul with Korean freelancer Jean Chung. He hinted that the hostage crisis will drag on, saying a swap...