Do you think most citizens reject this exchange, even if at a later date, Bergdahl was found to be a deserter?
I don't think so Samson....
MOST people understand that we do not leave a soldier behind, determined to be a deserter later or not.
and since the war in Afghanistan is suppose to be over come year end with our combat troop removal, those Taliban men and everyone in GITMO will be released, and gitmo will be closed....that's the rules of war....
so all of these 5 Tailiban were going to be released REGARDLESS of an exchange for this American soldier.
And, may I ask, why would it be ok to release these 5 taliban men if Bergdahl was NOT a potential deserter?
I understand the concern with Obama not going to congress on this, but that's NOT what I am asking....
I'm not certain the "rules of war" arguement holds much water against terrorists. They have not really exhibited much concern about the subject, and I'm not certain that "Most Americans" would agree that any "war" has ended.
But what "Most Americans" believe is immaterial: That's why we have a congress. They are supposed to represent US.
I understand why you may focus on the irrelevant: The relevant is a bit frightening. If Obama did not consult congress on something as relatively minor as this exchange, what may be his next move?
Naw, I don't think that is frightening at all Samson, because that part is just going to be a "he said, (s)he said"...the administration already stated that they felt it was necessary to get him out now, due to how Bergdahl's appearance had changed and they felt he was sick and needed the help immediately....(not certain if it even can be proved to be otherwise)
And the other side is going to say bull crap to that...and there will be several press conferences and hearings by the republicans, and a gazillion bloggers and partisan sites telling their opinions on each side of the aisle, and then:
the end result will be no wrong doing that can be proven....or at most, the very most, the President will get a slap on the hand for it.
While millions more will be spent of our hard earned tax monies, on investigations and dog and pony shows....with no end result favoring the Republicans, other than getting their "base" riled with my and your tax monies....
Sorry, but the boy cried wolf, one too many times...
Even if some new right wing accusation, ever by chance became true, they can only blame themselves, if most of we the people, don't believe them....because they have cried wolf, one too many a times imho.
And I am certain, many of you truly believe all the "scandals" that you believe Obama is involved in and guilty of, etc etc etc. but from a sane person on the liberal side of the aisle like me, who is married to a life long Republican and is a Disable Vet, the right wing on this site, seems bat sh*t crazy with the hundreds if not thousands of complaints of different wrong doings by this administration, when they sat back and allowed the very same things under President Bush, without a peep. And yes, the left complained about many of those actions when Bush was in power and are not saying a peep now....
tis life in the political world I suppose...
I didn't vote for Obama, in either election...(though I am, and will forever be, a Liberal) and I have "no face" to lose....
and as far as Bergdahl is concerned and his release for the Taliban men, and the rules of war regarding Gitmo having to be closed once we withdraw our combat troops, a quick google will give you your answers...we have to return POW's and noncombatants and anyone in our custody....
We got something, for NOTHING, with that trade for Berndahl, since the 5 were on their way out before year's end, from what I have read up on it, it's a good deal, deserter or no deserter imo.
And, I so differ with those that think a soldier's life and return home, is not worth doing if the public and fellow soldiers believe he deserted, without the proper and fair trial or article procedure given to him to prove and designate him, as a deserter by the Military.
And I would also disagree with those who would leave him there, even if he had been given his due process and designated a deserter....
To me, when getting down to the brass tax, there is absolutely no difference in the Military need and duty to bring a possible deserter home, that has been held captive by our enemies or a soldier in good standing that has been held captive, both are human beings, and both are American citizens, and both should never be left behind. PERIOD.
and a longtime al-Qaeda ally. Wasiq reportedly helped train al-Qaeda. Mullah Norullah Noori, a senior military commander also reportedly have ties with al-Qaeda. Khairullah Khairkhwa, a Taliban governor was also allegedly an al-Qaeda trainer. One is believed to be responsible for the deaths of scores of Shiites in acts of religious terror.
