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Obama defends deal with Taliban to free U.S. soldier

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There is no defending the trading of five high level terrorists for a deserter. This man's voluntary desertion of his command led to the death of upwards of 14 of his fellow soldiers. Berghdal's life was not in endanger and there was no earth shattering imperative to make such a decidedly one sided deal. Basically, Obama negotiated with terrorists and was taken to the cleaners. I am not against a deal for Berghdal so that he can be court martialed, but this deal makes Obama, and America, look stupid.

The lives of how many more will be ended because of Obama's careless and naïve approach to the job of commander-in-chief? Every person of any nationality who is killed by any of these five terrorists - and no doubt there will be many - will be on Obama's head. I can't imagine Democrats will be rushing to endorse this stupidity any time soon.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Indefensible.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

what happened to "the US never negotiates with terrorists"?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Feed him, cure him, clothe him, court-martial him.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"what happened to "the US never negotiates with terrorists"?" -Obama!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Negotiating with terrorists.

It's part of being a smart grown-up instead of an imbecelic child whose first impulse is to attack.

Wolfpack - "Every person of any nationality who is killed by any of these five terrorists...."

Do you realize how stupid this makes you look? How do you know they are/were terrorists?

Many innocent men were swept up after wrongly being labelled 'terrorists' and 'insurgents.' Many innocent men are now rotting in Gitmo partly because people like you can't be bother to ask a very simple question about whether or not they are actually guilty of .......anything. 

0 ( +3 / -3 )

what happened to "the US never negotiates with terrorists"?

What happened is that the Taliban, like it or not, are not recognized internationally as a terrorist organization. Under international law, the US would have to release prisoners of the Afghani war at the point of its conclusion - which is scheduled for 2014.

The Taliban had apparently demanded the release of 15 of captured, seasoned fighters as well as millions of dollars. What they got is what they would have gotten anyway, regardless of releasing Bergdahl. Sounds like a good deal to me: Something for nothing.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

SushiSake3

How do you know they are/were terrorists? Many innocent men were swept up after wrongly being labelled 'terrorists' and 'insurgents.' Many innocent men are now rotting in Gitmo partly because people like you can't be bother to ask a very simple question about whether or not they are actually guilty of .......anything.

Come on now Sushi, this has to be the most idiotic thing I've ever seen you post. The Taliban would trade their one and only American high-value "prisoner" for a bunch of wrongly accused villagers? You may be willing to believe naively that the five prisoners who were traded were innocent civilians but the rest of the world knows better. How do you not know that they are senior Taliban leaders and militant commanders? Since you really don't know, or are feigning ignorance, let me introduce you to the Fab Five:

Abdul Haq Wasiq - Thought to be in his early 40s, Wasiq served as the Taliban deputy minister of intelligence and “had direct access to Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin leadership,” according to an internal memo that assessed risk at Guantanamo. He reportedly used his office to support Al Qaeda “and to assist Taliban personnel elude capture.” He also reportedly arranged for Al Qaeda personnel to train Taliban intelligence staff. Wasiq belongs to the Khogyani Tribe and began his religious training under his father, Muhammad Saleem, who died in 1981.Three years later, he went to study Islam at Warah, a school located on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border near the Khyber Pass. When the Taliban assumed control in Afghanistan, a number of Islamic students, including Wasiq, went to Kabul. Wasiq has been accused by Human Rights Watch of mass killings and torture. According to a report by the Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Wasiq “arranged for Al Qaeda personnel to train Taliban intelligence staff in intelligence methods.”

Mullah Norullah Noori - As a senior Taliban military commander, Noori has been described in government reports as a military mastermind of sorts who engaged in hostilities “against U.S. and Coalition forces in Zabul Province.” Noori, who is estimated to be around 46 or 47 years old, has developed close ties to Taliban leader Mullah Omar and other senior Taliban officials, according to a JTF-GTMO report. Noori, who was named as the Taliban governor for the Balkh and Lagman provinces, is wanted by the United Nations for war crimes including the murder and torture of thousands of Shiite Muslims. Noori has been able to remain a “significant figure” to Taliban supporters and sympathizers. According to government records, which are based on conversations with Noori, he grew up in Shajoy where he learned to read and write at a mosque in his village. His father was the imam at the mosque. As a boy, he worked as a farmer on his father’s land. In March 1999, he traveled to Kabul where he met with Mullah Yunis, the commander of the Taliban security base, and expressed interest in joining the Taliban. After the Taliban front lines fell in November 2001, Noori traveled to Konduz where he was trained and worked with Omar. Noori has been implicated in the murder of thousands of Shiites in northern Afghanistan. When asked about the killings, Noori “did not express any regret and stated they did what they needed to do in their struggle to establish their ‘ideal state.’”

Mullah Mohammad Fazi - As the Taliban’s former deputy defense minister, Fazi was held at Guantanamo after being identified as an enemy combatant by the United States. Fazi is an admitted senior commander who served as chief of staff of the Taliban Army and as a commander of its 22nd Division. He’s also wanted by the United Nations on war crimes for the murder of thousands of Shiite Muslims in Afghanistan. According to documents, Fazi “wielded considerable influence throughout the northern region of Afghanistan and his influence continued after his capture.” The Taliban has used Fazi’s capture as a recruiting tool. “If released, detainee would likely rejoin the Taliban and establish ties” with other terrorist groups, the Guantanamo report says.

Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa - Khairkhwa is the former governor of the Herat province and has close ties with Usama bin Laden and Mullah Omar. According to the Joint Task Force Guantanamo file, Khairkhwa “represented the Taliban during meetings with Iranian officials seeking to support hostilities against US and coalition forces.” Khairkhwa and his deputies are suspected of being associated with an extremist military training camp run by the Al Qaeda commander Abu Musab al Zarqawi, who was killed in 2006. U.S. authorities have also accused Khairkhwa of becoming a powerful opium trafficker.

Mohammad Nabi Omari - As a senior Taliban leader, Nabi Omari has held multiple leadership roles in various terror-related groups. Pre-9/11, Nabi, who is estimated to be in his mid-40s, worked border security for the Taliban – a position that gave him “access to senior Taliban commander and leader of the Haqqani Network, Jalaluddin Haqqani,” according to the JTF-GTMO report. Born in the Khowst Province of Afghanistan, Nabi Omari and his family were forced to resettle as refugees though In Miram Shah, Pakistan after the Soviet Union’s occupation in Afghanistan. In the late 1980s, Nabi Omari returned to Afghanistan where he fought with the mujahideen against the Soviets. During the early 1990s, he ping-ponged between Taliban-related positions and others, including a stint as a used car salesman. In August 2002, Nabi reportedly helped two al Qaeda operatives smuggle missiles in Pakistan. The weapons were smuggled in pieces and the plan was to reassemble the missiles once all of the pieces had been brought across. Nabi was caught in September 2002 and eventually moved to Guantanamo.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It's part of being a smart grown-up instead of an imbecelic child whose first impulse is to attack.

No one is talking about attack! The man walked away from his post, 6 people were killed because of this guy, he turns himself over to the Taliban and years later to secure his release, Obama (once again, never thinking) exchanges him for 5 high profile Taliban fighters who will get recycled and attack again.

Obama broke a fundamental cornerstone of American diplomacy and that is "We don't negotiate with terrorists" Now he painted a bullseye on our military. There was a reason as to why most U.S. troops weren't used as bargaining chips.

Do you realize how stupid this makes you look? How do you know they are/were terrorists?

I really want to say something, but I know what will happen, so I will digress. Of course they were terrorists, just as much as he is a deserter. No questions about it.

Many innocent men were swept up after wrongly being labelled 'terrorists' and 'insurgents.' Many innocent men are now rotting in Gitmo partly because people like you can't be bother to ask a very simple question about whether or not they are actually guilty of .......anything.

Well, buddy, this is NOT one of those instances. Also, please prove to me that these terrorists and insurgents in Gitmo are NOT terrorists and insurgents.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Seeing all the friendly fire swiftboating over this story reminds me of ex-NFL player Matt Tilman getting killed reportedly by members of his own company. If they did not court martial over someone as high profile as that, you can bet the DoD is not going to bother in this case either. They already said "Five years is enough." The backlash from once again imprisoning Bowe by the 99% American civilians would be a lot harsher than what we hear now from the tiny minority asking why he is not thrown back in prison.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

None of the released prisoners had a trial which is the norm under democracy?

You are talking about radical terrorists that would kill you in second if given the chance and now they will go on doing what they only know and that is kill infidels. It has nothing to do with democracy.

The backlash from once again imprisoning Bowe by the 99% American civilians would be a lot harsher than what we hear now from the tiny minority asking why he is not thrown back in prison.

Tiny minority? I think it's more relevant what his military brethren think, NOT the public. He didn't walk away from the general public. 5 years can never make up for leaving your brethren. Remember Jenkins? Go back to his hometown and ask them, it was 40 years ago. They don't care, to them, he is a piece of crap and I tend to agree. This guy is NO different.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Sorry, should have said Pat Tillman.

Then there is 60 something Jesse Ventura getting in bar fights and lawsuits against a fellow soldier. Pretty sad so see this kind of infighting.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wakarimasen:

" what happened to "the US never negotiates with terrorists"? "

It has long been changed by the current admin to "the US helps terrorists". While the current brouhaha about exchanging the deserter for 5 top Taliban leaders is justified, it diverts attention from the much much more serious scandal of the US supporting Al-Quaeda linked extremists in Syria in order to depose the secular Assad regime. It is this unfathomable and dangerous stupidity that really should have people up in protest.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Zichi:

" In 2001, the Bush administration gave a $43 million grant to the Taliban. "

That was stupid, but this was supposed to be an incentive to stop opium production, in the misguided belief that the Jihadi rulers would abide by any agreements. You conveniently leave out that little aspect.

I find it really silly that for every mistake the current administration makes, some political fanatics find some way to blame GWB for it. Give it a rest already. GWB is long one, and the current support for Al Quaeda terrorists in Syria and the swapping of deserters for top taliban leaders is happening NOW.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

None of the released prisoners had a trial which is the norm under democracy?

It is the international norm to not try prisoners of armed conflict unless in very special cases.

It is also not a norm anywhere in the world to release people who are members of an organization you are still in open armed conflict with. As long as the US and/or Afghan government is in armed conflict with the Taliban, they shouldn't be releasing captured members back into the fight.

It's like if the US started releasing captured German POWs in 1944 and sent them back to Germany to join the fight again before the war was over.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

At least the GOP now has something to run on seeing as their whole Obamacare-scare scenario isn't working out: Leave a man behind, and protect Gitmo!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Laguna; move back to that beach, and stay there, with all the other gafs.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Laguna

" At least the GOP now has something to run on seeing as their whole Obamacare-scare scenario isn't working "

Well, with the VA hospital scandal demonstrating the beauty of government-run healthcare, I don´t think the GOP needs to worry about arguments against Obamacare.

But that said, the Republicans have failed to address the world-wide islamist thread too, so that is a draw politically. But Obama is taking the stupidity to new heights, by helping the radical Muslim Brotherhood across the Middle East, and now by actually swapping traitors for Taliban leaders. Even the most ignorant low-information voter should be able to see that this is a win-win for the Jihadis.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Ok, I admit my claim that the 5 released guys might be innocent.  Apparently they are all certified bad dudes.  My mistake - I didn't read the full article or do sufficient background fact checking. 

Wolfpack - "Also, please prove to me that these terrorists and insurgents in Gitmo are NOT terrorists and insurgents."

That's most as ridiculous as saying, "prove that god XYZ doesn't exist." 

You can do better than that - the prerogative is with those who believe those guys are guilty to prove it, not the other way around.

WilliB - "GWB is long gone."

That's irrelevant.  Without GWB's huge errors of judgement and the unbelievably incompetent way his administration ran these wars, Obama wouldn't have a lot of the problems he is still having to waste time dealing with today.

And who supported GWB? That's right - you did. 

You're not going to dodge responsibility that easily.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@WilliB,

some political fanatics find some way to blame GWB for it. Give it a rest already. GWB is long one

Apart from the fact that he hardly travels lest he's arrested for war crimes, Dubya's legacy is very much alive, in the minds of people worldwide, and the presence of innocent men cleared by the US, but still lingering in a gulag.

@bass4funk,

please prove to me that these terrorists and insurgents in Gitmo are NOT terrorists and insurgents.

Flagrant breaches of international law and human rights conventions aside

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/04/25/kafka-at-gitmo-why-86-prisoners-are-cleared-for-release-but-might-never-get-it/

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Zichi

That might be so but just like serial killers, the IRA, ETA, whoever, the accused are entitled to trial which we know is why they are kept at Gitmo and not on mainland America. Gitmo is a very bad thorn in the side of America.

Personally, I have very little sympathy for any terrorist, regardless of their affiliation.

The released prisoners will be kept in prison in Qatar for one year.

Oh, and you think after that they will retire somewhere in Bora Bora? They will go right back to Afghanistan and restart their Jihad, these guys that were released are the worst of the worst, these guys are the people that are responsible for overthrowing the Afghan government. You wait and see what happens when they get out.

The only one who could be facing a trial is Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl?

As he should, but I know there are many variables to this, so I am willing to hear his side, but many of his fellow men that have spoken out so far, doesn't look good.

@Laguna

At least the GOP now has something to run on seeing as their whole Obamacare-scare scenario isn't working out: Leave a man behind, and protect Gitmo!

They don't have to, Obamacare and the Dems are already on a downward spiral.

@sushi

That's irrelevant. Without GWB's huge errors of judgement and the unbelievably incompetent way his administration ran these wars, Obama wouldn't have a lot of the problems he is still having to waste time dealing with today.

Funny, how you have GWB complex and yet, as usual, you give this joker a pass. You want to blame Bush, fine! But don't forget, Obama took many of the Bush policies and put them all on steroids! Bush is out, Obama is and has been president for over 5 years, it's on his watch, he owns all of it. If you give me your cold, it doesn't matter that I got it from you, I know have it, sniffles and all.

And who supported GWB? That's right - you did.

I sure did.

You're not going to dodge responsibility that easily.

This president was never responsible for Anything, ever! Obama is the only president that does not and never will take responsibility and accountability seriously, this is why people think he's a joke.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Good point made above. If he is going to be looked after by the VA hospitals, chances are he will end up dead anyway!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Our allies, the Israelis, routinely trade hundreds of Arab prisoners for a single Israeli soldier. Should we also claim that the Israelis are naive?

Those attacking our actions on this matter are behaving in a shameful manner, for the crassest political gain.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Our allies, the Israelis, routinely trade hundreds of Arab prisoners for a single Israeli soldier. Should we also claim that the Israelis are naive?

Those attacking our actions on this matter are behaving in a shameful manner, for the crassest political gain.

Naive is thinking that the U.S. And Israel are the same country. Different country, different politics, different rules of engagement. What works for one country might not work for another. Our policy is, NOT to negotiate, again, there is a reason why very few Americans and soldiers were not kidnapped. Obama handled this the only way he knows how, by bungling everything....as usual.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Hang him by his Private and send him back!!! This scum bag he has no balls at all! Our arm forces believe in leaving no man behind but this scum bag they should have gave up on and send his father to join him! There is more to what was behind him walking away and his father with their unpatriotic views. !

1 ( +2 / -1 )

1glenn

Our allies, the Israelis, routinely trade hundreds of Arab prisoners for a single Israeli soldier. Should we also claim that the Israelis are naive?

Israel don't do this for deserters, as we just have.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Israel don't do this for deserters, as we just have.

It is very apparent you do not understand the Torah, which forms the basis for the soul and state of Israel. The decision to leave a fellow Jew in the hands of an enemy is not one that would be made lightly. First of all, no one would be able to determine the details of a seeming desertion without careful consideration -- which includes the mental state of the person at the time.

Right-wing Americans, many of whom claim to be "faith-based" might do well to consider this. I don't like to see them portraying Israelis as having so little compassion and mercy as you have demonstrated.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

yabits

The Israelis' choice to make disadvantageous prisoner trades may be faith-based as you say. Not being a man of faith, my disdain for trading five hostile and dangerous high value prisoners for one deserter, who frankly should not have been a priority, is not. It's amazing that there's more support for this latest blunder of Obama's here at JT than there is even in the MSM. Hell, even Chris Matthews thinks this was a bad idea.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/06/02/msnbcs-chris-matthews-deeply-skeptical-of-taliban-prisoner-swap/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzrzg4lA3u0

Now that poor little Bowe's coming home, I'd settle for nothing less than a thorough investigation into the circumstances under which he deserted his post and came to be in the custody of the Taliban, a court martial (which will most likely be warranted based on the info that's already public), and a BCD after whatever period of imprisonment is required by his sentence. Maybe then he can return to Pakistan and pursue his desire to go native.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Not being a man of faith, my disdain for trading five hostile and dangerous high value prisoners for one deserter

It is rather unfortunate for us all that the Taliban prisoners fell into the hands of an increasingly godless people. It was a wasted opportunity. One can't say the same of the Israelis, who have proven amazingly effective at getting those on the other side to cooperate with them. It may turn out that Bowe's leaving was from a godlessness he perceived to something he felt was more important.

Here is the irony: Bowe may have had more positive influence on the Taliban regarding America in his captivity than the godless people holding their fellows captive in Guantanamo. In the end, this battle is about influence, winning hearts and minds, and I don't see Chris Matthews considering that point.

(Consider too, the events in WWII that many considered "miracles," which turned the tide of key battles to the eventual victors. Here's hoping that the "Man Upstairs" doesn't look away next time.)

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The Obama administration has done some dumb things but I don't think they were as stupid as what we obviously see. Either it's a smokescreen or a start to close Gitmo or another unknown factor yet to surface.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Obama broke the law... Maybe Kerry can tell him to man up and face trial. Because apparently even if breaking the law actually helps your feelow countryman one is still required to pay the price for breaking the law....common Obama set an example for Snowden.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Obama broke the law... Maybe Kerry can tell him to man up and face trial.

Hmmm. What trial? Does he have to order Congress to prepare a trial for him, or would that not be breaking the law too?

Articles of impeachment, leading to the trial of a president, have to be drawn up by the House of Representatives, which is currently Republican-led. Perhaps they are the ones you should be telling to "man up?"

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Yabits... I am aware of that...was just pointing out the hypocrisy of this whole administration.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

""what happened to "the US never negotiates with terrorists"?" -Obama!"

What? Actually, arch-conservative Reagan started the trend in 1979. He was the first when his people negotiated the release of the hostages in Iran....just so that Reagon could get elected!

The hostages were released 15 minutes after the election result. Reagan later went on to deal with terrorists in the contra scandal, etc. It's funny how conservatives weren't so upset then, isn't it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Seems it's OK for the Israelis to trade several Palestinian prisoners for one of their captured soldiers but it's not OK for the U.S.

"What? Actually, arch-conservative Reagan started the trend in 1979. He was the first when his people negotiated the release of the hostages in Iran....just so that Reagon could get elected!

The hostages were released 15 minutes after the election result."

That's because the Iranians knew what would have happened to them if they didn't release the hostages after Reagan was elected.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It is very apparent you do not understand the Torah, which forms the basis for the soul and state of Israel. The decision to leave a fellow Jew in the hands of an enemy is not one that would be made lightly. First of all, no one would be able to determine the details of a seeming desertion without careful consideration -- which includes the mental state of the person at the time.

Right-wing Americans, many of whom claim to be "faith-based" might do well to consider this. I don't like to see them portraying Israelis as having so little compassion and mercy as you have demonstrated.

How insulting is that? Now you're insulting many Americans who think and believe the same as Christians which is an offshoot from Judaism, stop pro trying yourself and liberals as the people that the only ones that have compassion, because compassion and making a smart decision are two entirely different things. Obama didn't think this through and he really now is putting a lot of American lives in danger because of his actions. Again, most countries like China and Russian, North Korea, would execute deserters. Right now they wil treat this guy and care for him, but when the yellow ribbons are down and the party is over, as in the famous words of Desi Arnez "you got some expelling to do."

@jeff

What? Actually, arch-conservative Reagan started the trend in 1979. He was the first when his people negotiated the release of the hostages in Iran....just so that Reagon could get elected!

No, but they did know Reagan's reputation as NOT being weak and that Reagan would've launched a possible offensive which the Iraniians didn't want to risk from this NEW and unknown president, unlike Carter who they knew was not going to do anything. That was the main reason.

The hostages were released 15 minutes after the election result. Reagan later went on to deal with terrorists in the contra scandal, etc. It's funny how conservatives weren't so upset then, isn't it.

Yes, but this is a completely different scenario, you can't even come close to comparing this to what happened in 1979, we are talking about top Taliban senior commanders that have American blood on their hands and have caused insermantible damage across Afghanistan and beyond, read up on these guys. You couldn't have arrested a more sinister, dangerously brutal group. We are living in different times and these guys will do anything to kill. We are infidels, they issued a fatwa and now there is a high possibility that more of these terrorists will try to kidnap Americans, because they know they can get exactly what they want,thanks to the Sainted Anointed one.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Now you're insulting many Americans who think and believe the same as Christians which is an offshoot from Judaism

I am witnessing Americans who are rushing to judgment on Bergdahl without presenting anything more than unfounded allegations. The military commander at the time of Bergdahl's disappearance ( Gen. McChrystal) has gone public to warn against such rushing to judgment. And yet you are here asserting that "the man walked away from his post." I thought it was insulting to Israelis to assert that they would leave one of their own in the hands of an enemy -- despite the fact that they have made trades of many hundreds for one man.

I don't believe there is any "offshoot" of the mentioned faith that is at work in the calls for Bergdahl's blood. We can find public statements from conservatives as recent as Memorial Day pressing the Obama administration to bring Bergdahl home safely. So my words on behalf of the Israelis are seen as insulting, and the overt hypocrisy and prejudice are not.

Again, most countries like China and Russian, North Korea, would execute deserters.

And this is what the conservatives appear to want to model the United States after. Godless nations. They're just itching to get their hands on Bergdahl. As one military person serving in Afghanistan wrote on a blog at The Atlantic's website: When it came time to recover the body of a SEAL who had fallen out of a helicopter, and lives were lost in the recovery effort, the folks now crying out for this soldier's blood weren't asking why that SEAL was not strapped in.

Yes, but this is a completely different scenario, you can't even come close to comparing this to what happened in 1979, we are talking about top Taliban senior commanders that have American blood on their hands

I recall Reagan well. It was the same Iranian revolutionaries that supported the people who killed all those Marines in Lebanon that Reagan traded arms with in order to get US hostages freed. You can deny the basic truth all you want. Frankly, I think it is the truth that you feel insulted by.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@Sushi:

Do you realize how stupid this makes you look? How do you know they are/were terrorists?

Do you realize how out of touch you are? Or is it just that no matter what Obama does you will defend him out of blind unthinking loyalty.

Many innocent men are now rotting in Gitmo partly because people like you can't be bother to ask a very simple question about whether or not they are actually guilty of .......anything.

What a load garbage Sushi. Of course we know these guys belonged in Gitmo. Statements like this are akin to challenging me to prove that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Do you ever bother to read what you write before you hit the Submit button? I suggest you read USinJapan2's break down on each of the five bad guys above. But I guess you wouldn't believe that either unless you first get approval from the Obama administration first. Sadly, thats the state of affairs in America today. Every issue no matter how egregious must be spun for political advantage.

@Laguna:

What happened is that the Taliban, like it or not, are not recognized internationally as a terrorist organization.

So what was all of this talk by Obama that Afghanistan was the good war? Why do you think Obama approved of the war and to overthrow the Taliban. The US Congress recognized that the Taliban are bad guys. The US doesn't need a bunch of third world dictators to make decisions about it's national security.

@zichi:

None of the released prisoners had a trial which is the norm under democracy?

How would you suggest this trial of battle field combatants take place in a Democracy? How about the trail be moved to the heart of Taliban country in Afghanistan so they can get a fair and open trial by a jury of their peers. Obama could have the jurors selected from among the local Taliban fighters. Is this what you have in mind? The idea that these combatants should get a civilian style trial is astoundingly wrongheaded. These guys were free agents waging war against the US and the West in general. They belong in jail until the fighting is over (ie. when the terrorists are defeated - not when Obama decides to arbitrarily give up and go home). They are still at war with the West whether we want to be at war with them or not.

This has all gotten so bizzare it's beyond belief! Obama stands in the Rose Garden touting the release of a deserter in exchange for five high value Taliban fighters as if American's are supposed to throw a parade. Susan Rice goes on TV and yet again sticks her foot in her mouth this time calling Bergdahl some kind of hero. Meanwhile, those who were there on the fronts lines are calling him nothing short of a traitor. And not just one guy or two guys either. I'll side with the soldiers who were there and not with the lying President looking for a feel good story to take the publics attention off the deaths of dozens of vet's at the hands of the Veterans' Administration.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@FunktoBass

"No, but they did know Reagan's reputation as NOT being weak.... and that Reagan would've launched a possible offensive ...unlike Carter who they knew was not going to do anything."

That is simply not true. Carter DID launch a military assault. Reagan didn't. He instead chose to negotiate that involving giving the terrorists concessions, such as unfreezing their assets (which Carter had enforced). Iran's hostage takers got off scott-free.

Another Reagan policy: Sending 250 marines to their deaths in Beirut, while barring them from putting bullets in their rifles. Gimme a break. A wimp and a loser.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday defended a prisoner swap with the Taliban to free an American soldier, saying his “sacred” trust as commander-in-chief outweighed claims he broke the law and set a dangerous precedent.

What a load of garbage from Obama. Remember, this is the same guy that promised throngs of swooning followers that he would never use signing statements to "do an end run around Congress".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seAR1S1Mjkc

Well, apparently he has broken yet another promise given that the man who taught the Constitution for ten years decided that was exactly what he needed to do in order to free five Taliban terrorist.

So in freeing Bergdahl he went outside of his role in the American governing system. He did not obey the laws that Congress passed in which he pledged to follow. He did not inform Congress 30 days before freeing prisoners from Gitmo. He broke the law. But of course breaking the law at this point is passe' for Obama. The law is only something that Republican presidents should follow when they are in office.

In other words he has yet again let down his followers and in effect lied to them. Remember that story about how you can keep your doctor if you just give up control of your health care choices to the government? Oh yeah he is a hypocrite of the first order. He doesn't care about the separation of powers; he only cares about getting what he wants without having to deal with the difficulties of divided government. He is ideologically incapable of working with people that do not agree with him because he never has. Negotiating with and freeing five Taliban terrorists is another in a long series of divisive actions he has taken as president. America hasn't been this divided and hostile towards one another since the Civil War.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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