American held hostage by al Qaeda appeals to Obama... (1 Viewer)

[Soonerman]

Actually, while I'm not convinced it would have been the best solution, Congress WOULD have approved it- at any time during the first 30 days after September 11, 2001. If President Bush had wanted to have a draft at that time and sent a million men to Afghanistan, we could have.


But part of the reason we didn't is because we feared, reasonably, that such a large presence of American forces would have destabilized Pakistan. And from the beginning, that has been the key issue at play.

You left a zero off the Todd proposal I was mocking.

And Todd wasn't?

Wan't what?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

I think we all know the military will adjudicate this according to the code. I did it put it in quotes, I suppose because to me there is a difference between being caught "during war" and being "at war." My main point was that the Taliban kills everyone they catch who they think is "at war" with them, including people who aren't even in the military.

Unless they think they could be of some use.

And he was the only guy of use. Him. Him alone. Out of the whole war. Everyone else they kill, no use.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Actually, while I'm not convinced it would have been the best solution, Congress WOULD have approved it- at any time during the first 30 days after September 11, 2001. If President Bush had wanted to have a draft at that time and sent a million men to Afghanistan, we could have.


But part of the reason we didn't is because we feared, reasonably, that such a large presence of American forces would have destabilized Pakistan. And from the beginning, that has been the key issue at play.

You left a zero off the Todd proposal I was mocking.

And Todd wasn't?

Wan't what?

Mocking.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

So the administration is relying on a designation that doesn't even exist anymore?

 

[Soonerman]

Actually, while I'm not convinced it would have been the best solution, Congress WOULD have approved it- at any time during the first 30 days after September 11, 2001. If President Bush had wanted to have a draft at that time and sent a million men to Afghanistan, we could have.


But part of the reason we didn't is because we feared, reasonably, that such a large presence of American forces would have destabilized Pakistan. And from the beginning, that has been the key issue at play.

You left a zero off the Todd proposal I was mocking.

And Todd wasn't?

Wan't what?

Mocking.

His own proposal. How would I know? Maybe you should ask him.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I haven't seen these reports, but I have a little trouble believing that some Anerican private captured in 2009 is teaching the Taliban how to make IEDs and ambush tactics. As if the Taliban was unaware of those things before this guy showed up.

Let me just say first off that we should not jump to conclusions about the guy, but if we can all take off our red/blue caps for a second, and aside from the right/wrong of the deal, I do think this is all a bit of a mystery, that is just "interesting" from a story standpoint.

First off the Daily Mail article is not all sourced from the Taliban.

Afghan intelligence officials also believe that Bergdahl is 'cooperating with the Taliban' and is acting as adviser to fighters at a base in the tribal area of Pakistan.

Secondly, while the bomb making and ambush training business sounds silly, this might make more sense, especially considering the father's behavior, ie his dress (beard), words (koranic prayer) and actions in the Rose Garden and on Twitter:

The 24-year-old has converted to Islam and now has the Muslim name Abdullah, one of his captors told The Sunday Times.

This part below has been disproved - because supposedly according to reports from villagers as reported by fellow US soldiers he was by himself asking for the Taliban:

Nadeem also shed some light on how Bergdahl was captured.

After the serviceman left his post in Paktika's Yahya Khel district with an Afghan soldier he was spotted entering a nearby village.

A group of eight Taliban gunman in a nearby field were alerted and ambushed the pair, killing the Afghan soldier.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305184/Bowe-Bergdahl-Taliban-claim-captured-U-S-solider-teaching-fighters-bomb-making-skills.html#ixzz33fy4hjji
Now this is the Sunday Times. For any of you who don't know the Times is London and is about as serious a newspaper as the UK gets.

From 8/22/10:

“When I saw him for the second time, he had totally changed. He had a beard and he treated all of us very respectfully. He seemed very relaxed in our company. He was no longer scared,” said the commander, who called himself Haji Nadeem.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Afghanistan/article376561.ece

The full article is behind the pay wall.

That last part does not seem too crazy to me, it seems believable. It also fits with the father's behavior. It's possible they both either individually or together thought that his cooperation would be helpful to his survival. Maybe it was. Maybe, given what we know about Bowe from the Rolling Stones article he was already predisposed to other religions and also to seeing the US as being (at best) in the wrong or (at worst) the enemy.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

He was a Prisoner Of Walking.

Video released of the Taliban handing over Bergdahl.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/06/04/taliban-video-handover/9946647/

CBS showed this this morning - and, aside from Bergdahl speaking, and at one point smiling (hey he had to be happy right?), with his captors, they pointed out one other thing. Supposedly in the video Bergdahl is shown carrying a small bag to the copter. Wonder what was in that.

 

[glock]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

I think we all know the military will adjudicate this according to the code. I did it put it in quotes, I suppose because to me there is a difference between being caught "during war" and being "at war." My main point was that the Taliban kills everyone they catch who they think is "at war" with them, including people who aren't even in the military.

Unless they think they could be of some use.

And he was the only guy of use. Him. Him alone. Out of the whole war. Everyone else they kill, no use.

Find me anything to substantiate all of these POW's executed while in the hands of the Taliban? How many do you think there have been?

I'm guessing you think that he and the Afghan soldier captured with him weren't captured...

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

I think we all know the military will adjudicate this according to the code. I did it put it in quotes, I suppose because to me there is a difference between being caught "during war" and being "at war." My main point was that the Taliban kills everyone they catch who they think is "at war" with them, including people who aren't even in the military.

Unless they think they could be of some use.

And he was the only guy of use. Him. Him alone. Out of the whole war. Everyone else they kill, no use.

Find me anything to substantiate all of these POW's executed while in the hands of the Taliban? How many do you think there have been?

I'm guessing you think that he and the Afghan soldier captured with him weren't captured...

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

 

[Henry Ford]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

The U.S. military doesn't use it for reporting purposes. That's different from saying the U.S. doesn't use it. Prisoner Of War is an international status, and entitles the Prisoner to certain rights under the Geneva Convention Relative To The Treatment Of Prisoners Of War.

 

[timschochet]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

I think the tough part here on this claim is - where is the larger deal?

Apparently neither the Taliban or Afghan government is on board.

If so, what then?

 

[Henry Ford]

I sure hope the special forces dog they captured isn't a traitor, too.

 

[Ghost Rider]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Considering how inept and corrupt they are, it's shocking, but not surprising, how you are always willing to give our government the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Henry Ford]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

 

[timschochet]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Considering how inept and corrupt they are, it's shocking, but not surprising, how you are always willing to give our government the benefit of the doubt.

Not always. But more so than many people in this forum. I don't believe that our government is either inept or corrupt when it comes to most foreign affairs issues.

 

[humpback]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

 

[timschochet]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

 

[Soonerman]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

And the live of those that were lost in taking these prisoners in the first place.

 

[Kal El]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

I think the tough part here on this claim is - where is the larger deal?

Apparently neither the Taliban or Afghan government is on board.

If so, what then?

I have to agree, what deal is being worked? Tim has said this before in this thread, but I'm inclined to believe that Obama was simply hoodwinked on this trade.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

Seldom, or never?

 

[humpback]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

What is Dodds stance on this trade?

 

[Henry Ford]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

Seldom, or never?

Well, there was this one guy - you may have heard of him. Bowe Bergdahl.

 

[Soonerman]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

I think the tough part here on this claim is - where is the larger deal?

Apparently neither the Taliban or Afghan government is on board.

If so, what then?

I have to agree, what deal is being worked? Tim has said this before in this thread, but I'm inclined to believe that Obama was simply hoodwinked on this trade.

That's because you are too simple to understand Obama's true awesomeness. He is apparently like Mr. Spock playing 3-D chess when it comes to governing and negotiating.

 

[BassNBrew]

He was a Prisoner Of Walking.

Video released of the Taliban handing over Bergdahl.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/06/04/taliban-video-handover/9946647/

CBS showed this this morning - and, aside from Bergdahl speaking, and at one point smiling (hey he had to be happy right?), with his captors, they pointed out one other thing. Supposedly in the video Bergdahl is shown carrying a small bag to the copter. Wonder what was in that.

Looks like they did a pat down before he got on the chopper.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

Seldom, or never?

Well, there was this one guy - you may have heard of him. Bowe Bergdahl.

Henry, that was my point. He was the only guy - why? - Read my question in a separate discussion, or I will repost.

 

[[icon]]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

 

[Henry Ford]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

Seldom, or never?

Well, there was this one guy - you may have heard of him. Bowe Bergdahl.

Henry, that was my point. He was the only guy - why? - Read my question in a separate discussion, or I will repost.

None of us know why. Yet. And the answer to that question may or may not be worth just about any trade. As may be whatever's in his head.

Or, for that matter, the positions we can discover because of the GPS transmitters inside those five GITMO detainees' colons.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Look neither of us "know" anything about this. However, the Taliban - including btw a couple or more of the people we released - have been known to execute people by the soccer stadium. They don't have POW's, that's a fact. You don't think they execute people they capture on the spot or after they've torn out every bit of useful info they can? They do.

That's wrong. It's just flat out wrong. The Taliban take soldiers prisoner on a fairly regular basis. They took a bunch in Kunar earlier this year. They're just seldom Americans.

Seldom, or never?

Well, there was this one guy - you may have heard of him. Bowe Bergdahl.

Henry, that was my point. He was the only guy - why? - Read my question in a separate discussion, or I will repost.

None of us know why. Yet. And the answer to that question may or may not be worth just about any trade. As may be whatever's in his head.

Or, for that matter, the positions we can discover because of the GPS transmitters inside those five GITMO detainees' colons.

Ok we're on the same page.

But again. may - or may not be. The latter won't be pretty. And if you don't want to speculate the wheres and hows and whys as to the scenarios in which this simple field soldier managed to survive where everyone else didn't, well. fine, but it is a mystery that will have to be solved and it will have an effect on evaluating the appropriateness of this trade.

 

[jonessed]

Do you have information contradicting his supposed desertion of his post? If so, please do share. I've heard nothing to the contrary.

Do you proof that he is not a POW? Since you think he just walked up to the Taliban and said can you keep me captive? He "may" have went AWOL, but to say he is not a POW is ignorant!

The army already determined he went AWOL. The only question is whether or not he deserted.

 

[siffoin]

Just to show how much partisan politics plays into this story. Here are official statements made by the top officials in Idaho. All of whom are Republicans. All of whom would have no issue filing impeachment proceedings against Obama for wearing an American flag on his right side lapel.

Idaho Governor CL “Butch” Otter “Today, Idaho gives thanks,” Otter said. “Soon we all will celebrate Bowe’s freedom and homecoming.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho “We celebrate with Bowe, Bob and Jani Bergdahl today as this wonderful news brings an end to their five-year ordeal,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “Our prayers have been answered and we offer our thanks for the perseverance of the family and the many Idahoans who have kept this vigil.

We appreciate the men and women who made this release possible. I was able to speak with Bob this morning and convey my feelings and look forward to an Idaho reunion. Today’s release is a reminder that we still have many brave men and women on our front lines that we must bring home safely as well.”

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho “It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.”

Congressman Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho “I am thrilled that Bowe Bergdahl has been freed and will soon be reunited with his parents. Like many Idahoans, I have been praying for his safe return home. We are all thankful this day has finally come.”

In a radio interview yesterday - Labrador went on to say: ""there are a lot of questions. And I think all those questions are going to need to be answered. But now is not the time for those questions." Labrador also criticized fellow Republicans for suggesting that the prisoner swap set a new precedent, noting that "such swaps have happened at the end of other conflicts."

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho“I couldn't be more pleased with the news of Bowe Bergdahl’s release and the ending of a nearly five-year nightmare for Bowe and his parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. “The prayers of people across Idaho and the nation have been answered and Bowe will soon be headed back to the town he calls home—Hailey, Idaho. We are all grateful for the tireless efforts of innumerable people within the Department of Defense and Department of State in securing Bowe’s release and for the work of those who have been seeking Bowe’s safe return for years.”

 

[timschochet]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

They are American lives that were sadly lost in a never ending war in which the results will at best be negligible. I feel terrible about them, and every soldier lost in the last 13 years. What has it all been for? But in terms of this trade discussion, not relevant.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just to show how much partisan politics plays into this story. Here are official statements made by the top officials in Idaho. All of whom are Republicans. All of whom would have no issue filing impeachment proceedings against Obama for wearing an American flag on his right side lapel.

Idaho Governor CL “Butch” Otter “Today, Idaho gives thanks,” Otter said. “Soon we all will celebrate Bowe’s freedom and homecoming.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho “We celebrate with Bowe, Bob and Jani Bergdahl today as this wonderful news brings an end to their five-year ordeal,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “Our prayers have been answered and we offer our thanks for the perseverance of the family and the many Idahoans who have kept this vigil.

We appreciate the men and women who made this release possible. I was able to speak with Bob this morning and convey my feelings and look forward to an Idaho reunion. Today’s release is a reminder that we still have many brave men and women on our front lines that we must bring home safely as well.”

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho “It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.”

Congressman Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho “I am thrilled that Bowe Bergdahl has been freed and will soon be reunited with his parents. Like many Idahoans, I have been praying for his safe return home. We are all thankful this day has finally come.”

In a radio interview yesterday - Labrador went on to say: ""there are a lot of questions. And I think all those questions are going to need to be answered. But now is not the time for those questions." Labrador also criticized fellow Republicans for suggesting that the prisoner swap set a new precedent, noting that "such swaps have happened at the end of other conflicts."

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho“I couldn't be more pleased with the news of Bowe Bergdahl’s release and the ending of a nearly five-year nightmare for Bowe and his parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. “The prayers of people across Idaho and the nation have been answered and Bowe will soon be headed back to the town he calls home—Hailey, Idaho. We are all grateful for the tireless efforts of innumerable people within the Department of Defense and Department of State in securing Bowe’s release and for the work of those who have been seeking Bowe’s safe return for years.”

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy

Everybody is happy for Idaho, the soldier and his family. Everybody.

Read the Rolling Stone interview, seemed like a nice guy, it's a pity he signed up in the first place, and it seemed like he had a nice life in Sun Valley and he was well loved there.

 

[StrikeS2k]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

The U.S. military doesn't use it for reporting purposes. That's different from saying the U.S. doesn't use it. Prisoner Of War is an international status, and entitles the Prisoner to certain rights under the Geneva Convention Relative To The Treatment Of Prisoners Of War.

Given that you're a lawyer it's weird to me that you're making this argument. I would think that you're aware that certain conditions have to be met for the Geneva conventions to apply. And the Taliban do not meet the requirements for the Geneva conventions to apply.

 

[Henry Ford]

My question is: if you had only five Taliban members to trade, and there was a British dog and an American stranger...

 

[Henry Ford]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

The U.S. military doesn't use it for reporting purposes. That's different from saying the U.S. doesn't use it. Prisoner Of War is an international status, and entitles the Prisoner to certain rights under the Geneva Convention Relative To The Treatment Of Prisoners Of War.

Given that you're a lawyer it's weird to me that you're making this argument. I would think that you're aware that certain conditions have to be met for the Geneva conventions to apply. And the Taliban do not meet the requirements for the Geneva conventions to apply.

I'm not arguing that the conventions apply, I'm saying that the designation of Prisoner of War still exists whether or not the U.S. Military uses it as a reporting designation.

 

[Kal El]

Reading those statements by the Idaho legislators makes me think they just had one guy write multiple statements. Granted, there really isn't a lot to say besides expressing gratitude for his return, which I actually agree with. Nobody deserves to be held prisoner by barbarians. Still, there are lots of questions about the whole situation, and we can discuss and debate that until we're all blue in the face, but unless/until we get more info, we're just going to go in circles.

That all being said, I'm still not thrilled about letting 5 people who by all accounts are nasty characters back to fight another day.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

They are American lives that were sadly lost in a never ending war in which the results will at best be negligible. I feel terrible about them, and every soldier lost in the last 13 years. What has it all been for?But in terms of this trade discussion, not relevant.

BB was captured 2009.

Considering we are handing the country over to the Taliban now anyway, and apparently that was the strategy all alomng under Obama...

Why did we wait so long?

What was the price in 09?

What was the price in 2011?

How about 2012?

What would be the price if we had a status of forces agreement?

How about any time before the Taliban knew we were just pulling out?

 

[timschochet]

Just to show how much partisan politics plays into this story. Here are official statements made by the top officials in Idaho. All of whom are Republicans. All of whom would have no issue filing impeachment proceedings against Obama for wearing an American flag on his right side lapel.

Idaho Governor CL Butch Otter Today, Idaho gives thanks, Otter said. Soon we all will celebrate Bowes freedom and homecoming.

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho We celebrate with Bowe, Bob and Jani Bergdahl today as this wonderful news brings an end to their five-year ordeal, said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Our prayers have been answered and we offer our thanks for the perseverance of the family and the many Idahoans who have kept this vigil.

We appreciate the men and women who made this release possible. I was able to speak with Bob this morning and convey my feelings and look forward to an Idaho reunion. Todays release is a reminder that we still have many brave men and women on our front lines that we must bring home safely as well.

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released, said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.

Congressman Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho I am thrilled that Bowe Bergdahl has been freed and will soon be reunited with his parents. Like many Idahoans, I have been praying for his safe return home. We are all thankful this day has finally come.

In a radio interview yesterday - Labrador went on to say: ""there are a lot of questions. And I think all those questions are going to need to be answered. But now is not the time for those questions." Labrador also criticized fellow Republicans for suggesting that the prisoner swap set a new precedent, noting that "such swaps have happened at the end of other conflicts."

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-IdahoI couldn't be more pleased with the news of Bowe Bergdahls release and the ending of a nearly five-year nightmare for Bowe and his parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. The prayers of people across Idaho and the nation have been answered and Bowe will soon be headed back to the town he calls homeHailey, Idaho. We are all grateful for the tireless efforts of innumerable people within the Department of Defense and Department of State in securing Bowes release and for the work of those who have been seeking Bowes safe return for years.



Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy

Everybody is happy for Idaho, the soldier and his family. Everybody.

.

This isn't true. Go back and read some of the remarks in this thread.

 

[humpback]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

They are American lives that were sadly lost in a never ending war in which the results will at best be negligible. I feel terrible about them, and every soldier lost in the last 13 years. What has it all been for?But in terms of this trade discussion, not relevant.

Oof.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

The U.S. military doesn't use it for reporting purposes. That's different from saying the U.S. doesn't use it. Prisoner Of War is an international status, and entitles the Prisoner to certain rights under the Geneva Convention Relative To The Treatment Of Prisoners Of War.

Given that you're a lawyer it's weird to me that you're making this argument. I would think that you're aware that certain conditions have to be met for the Geneva conventions to apply. And the Taliban do not meet the requirements for the Geneva conventions to apply.

It's a great point, how do you apply a legal standard to a jurisdction and a party that is not bound by that law and which the law was never designed to apply to in the first place?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just to show how much partisan politics plays into this story. Here are official statements made by the top officials in Idaho. All of whom are Republicans. All of whom would have no issue filing impeachment proceedings against Obama for wearing an American flag on his right side lapel.

Idaho Governor CL Butch Otter Today, Idaho gives thanks, Otter said. Soon we all will celebrate Bowes freedom and homecoming.

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho We celebrate with Bowe, Bob and Jani Bergdahl today as this wonderful news brings an end to their five-year ordeal, said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Our prayers have been answered and we offer our thanks for the perseverance of the family and the many Idahoans who have kept this vigil.

We appreciate the men and women who made this release possible. I was able to speak with Bob this morning and convey my feelings and look forward to an Idaho reunion. Todays release is a reminder that we still have many brave men and women on our front lines that we must bring home safely as well.

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released, said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.

Congressman Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho I am thrilled that Bowe Bergdahl has been freed and will soon be reunited with his parents. Like many Idahoans, I have been praying for his safe return home. We are all thankful this day has finally come.

In a radio interview yesterday - Labrador went on to say: ""there are a lot of questions. And I think all those questions are going to need to be answered. But now is not the time for those questions." Labrador also criticized fellow Republicans for suggesting that the prisoner swap set a new precedent, noting that "such swaps have happened at the end of other conflicts."

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-IdahoI couldn't be more pleased with the news of Bowe Bergdahls release and the ending of a nearly five-year nightmare for Bowe and his parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. The prayers of people across Idaho and the nation have been answered and Bowe will soon be headed back to the town he calls homeHailey, Idaho. We are all grateful for the tireless efforts of innumerable people within the Department of Defense and Department of State in securing Bowes release and for the work of those who have been seeking Bowes safe return for years.



Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3217811/bergdahl-calls-come-to-idaho-politicians.html?sp=/99/101/#storylink=cpy

Everybody is happy for Idaho, the soldier and his family. Everybody.

.

This isn't true. Go back and read some of the remarks in this thread.

I don't know about a parade, but people take care of their own, which is good and right. And he is "ours" as Americans but I've seen only one commenter here actually say he was from the area. When you know someone or know someone who knows someone it's just different.

Others can engage in serious inquiry and criticism.

 

[humpback]

Just to show how much partisan politics plays into this story. Here are official statements made by the top officials in Idaho. All of whom are Republicans. All of whom would have no issue filing impeachment proceedings against Obama for wearing an American flag on his right side lapel.

Idaho Governor CL “Butch” Otter “Today, Idaho gives thanks,” Otter said. “Soon we all will celebrate Bowe’s freedom and homecoming.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho “We celebrate with Bowe, Bob and Jani Bergdahl today as this wonderful news brings an end to their five-year ordeal,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “Our prayers have been answered and we offer our thanks for the perseverance of the family and the many Idahoans who have kept this vigil.

We appreciate the men and women who made this release possible. I was able to speak with Bob this morning and convey my feelings and look forward to an Idaho reunion. Today’s release is a reminder that we still have many brave men and women on our front lines that we must bring home safely as well.”

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho “It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.”

Congressman Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho “I am thrilled that Bowe Bergdahl has been freed and will soon be reunited with his parents. Like many Idahoans, I have been praying for his safe return home. We are all thankful this day has finally come.”

In a radio interview yesterday - Labrador went on to say: ""there are a lot of questions. And I think all those questions are going to need to be answered. But now is not the time for those questions." Labrador also criticized fellow Republicans for suggesting that the prisoner swap set a new precedent, noting that "such swaps have happened at the end of other conflicts."

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho“I couldn't be more pleased with the news of Bowe Bergdahl’s release and the ending of a nearly five-year nightmare for Bowe and his parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. “The prayers of people across Idaho and the nation have been answered and Bowe will soon be headed back to the town he calls home—Hailey, Idaho. We are all grateful for the tireless efforts of innumerable people within the Department of Defense and Department of State in securing Bowe’s release and for the work of those who have been seeking Bowe’s safe return for years.”

How does this show partisan politics?

 

[Henry Ford]

You don't have to be captured in combat to be a prisoner of war.

The US doesn't use the POW designation anymore. He was Missing/Captured.

The U.S. military doesn't use it for reporting purposes. That's different from saying the U.S. doesn't use it. Prisoner Of War is an international status, and entitles the Prisoner to certain rights under the Geneva Convention Relative To The Treatment Of Prisoners Of War.

Given that you're a lawyer it's weird to me that you're making this argument. I would think that you're aware that certain conditions have to be met for the Geneva conventions to apply. And the Taliban do not meet the requirements for the Geneva conventions to apply.

It's a great point, how do you apply a legal standard to a jurisdction and a party that is not bound by that law and which the law was never designed to apply to in the first place?

See above. The entire purpose of that post is to explain that POW is still a term that's used.

 

[BeaverCleaver]

It needs to be stressed again and again that the release of Bergdahl was part of a larger deal, of which we are not privy to all of the details. But the notion of a straight 5 for 1 trade, which so many people here and elsewhere are making, is apparently not accurate. So please stop arguing that "the price was too high"; you don't know everything that we paid for.

That being said, IMO even if it was a straight 5 for 1 trade, the price was not too high.

Do you factor in the lives of those who may have been lost searching for him?

In terms of this trade? No.

So where do they count if not as part of the "price"?

They are American lives that were sadly lost in a never ending war in which the results will at best be negligible. I feel terrible about them, and every soldier lost in the last 13 years. What has it all been for? But in terms of this trade discussion, not relevant.

Yes...it's very relevant.

 

[Kevrunner]

If this trade happened in one of our fantasy football leagues, the league would been in an uproar and either the league would fold or the trade would be reversed, collusion would be the only explanation, 5 studs (tier 1 players) for just 1 player who was most likely on the waiver wire or wasn't even on an NFL roster.

 

[3C's]

So supposedly he was gravely ill which was the reason for the "expedited" trade. Other than being a little thin and walking gingerly, which could be from a few Afghan Thursdays, he didn't seem gravely ill to me.

 

[VA703]

see if they'll do a tradeback

this guy wasn't worth it, overvalued and got ripped. Do more research next time nobama

 

[greenroom]

So supposedly he was gravely ill which was the reason for the "expedited" trade. Other than being a little thin and walking gingerly, which could be from a few Afghan Thursdays, he didn't seem gravely ill to me.

Thank you Dr. for your evaulation.