Bergdahl

Now that the focus has shifted to yet another crisis created by this administration, it's time I chimed in on the Bowe Bergdahl-for-five-terrorists swap that occurred last month.  Hailed by the administration as the return of an American soldier who served with honor and distinction, according to the administration's shameless fall-person Susan Rice, the trade for five hardened Taliban terrorists was widely derided by critics who questioned whether this signaled a shift from the traditional position of not negotiating with terrorists.

There are multiple parts to this.  The first has to do with Bowe Bergdahl's service.  From reports in the media and from shared opinions from fellow members of his platoon, Bergdahl abandoned his post.  He left his weapon at the base and wandered off in search of English-speaking Taliban, allegedly with the confused idea of talking with them about improving the plight of Afghanis.  That and other information gleaned from emails he sent to family and friends suggest that he was not taken in action but seized when he wandered into a Taliban stronghold.

In the unlikely event that Bergdahl was taken in action, the question still begs:  Do we negotiate with terrorists?  Historically, there is some support for the proposition.  Thomas Jefferson negotiated with the Barbary pirates during his time in office, so it's not unheard of for there to be talks with terrorists.  But that was in a day when terrorists couldn't reach out the way they can now.  Barbary pirates had no means of attacking the United States homeland.  Taliban, through Al Qaeda, do.

Then there's the issue of the five terrorists traded for Bergdahl.  They were, according to those in the know, among the hardest detainees still in Gitmo.  Some have described them as the equivalent of four star generals. Assuming that estimation is correct, how do we trade a private (at the time of his capture, he was a private; during his captivity, he was promoted to sergeant) for five four star generals?  That makes no sense.  Not even Jerry Jones would make a trade that stupid.

The rules regarding the Obama Five's stay in Qatar are ridiculous.  Supposedly, the Obama Five are supposed to be monitored there by the Qataris.  The only problem with that supposition is that similar restrictions were placed on detainees formerly returned there and they were back on the frontlines within months of their return.  Moreover, there is no restriction on the type of activities they can conduct there. They can meet with fellow Taliban, plan strategy, direct actions and raise funds all in the comfort provided to them by the Qataris.

Meanwhile, Bergdahl has been evaluated, medically, by military specialists and returned to active duty, albeit behind a desk.  There may well be a sound reason, legally, for doing this.  It seems pretty stupid to put someone who's expressed such anti-American sentiments in writing and then allegedly deserted his platoon back into circulation, unless it's to monitor him and observe him.  Personally, I suspect that's the reason.

Then earlier this week reports surfaced that the military was beginning to question him about his departure from the base, his time in captivity and sundry other things.  My take on it is that eventually, he'll be dishonorably discharged from the military for desertion and will forfeit his accumulated pay and pension.  The Obama administration will howl in protest, the MSM will be thoroughly confused and vets everywhere will applaud.

On a side note, there are reports that some in the military are being more vocal about the disastrous trade the administration made to get Bergdahl back.  Allegedly, one official labeled one of the Obama Five a psycho. Given the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, it's not surprising that within that movement there are a few nutjobs. The problem is that the Obama Five nutjobs have homicidal propensities and the knowledge to carry out their propensities with for maximum effect.

The trade was not a good one.  That nothing has happened yet is of no consequence.

It will happen.

(c) 2014 The Truxton Spangler Chronicles