The Taliban have recently released a video of a captured American soldier, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl. Pfc. Bergdahl was captured this past June in Afghanistan after straying from his unit there. He is now being used by the Taliban for propaganda purposes. The release of this video at Christmas is despicable and shows the depths of depravity that the enemy will sink too. I'm sure that American commanders are using all means to find and secure the release of this young soldier. The question I would now pose is this: should we attempt some type of prisoner exchange to obtain the release of this young soldier? I have mixed feelings on this issue and would welcome your input. The government of the United States has done this in the past, notably in the early years of the War Between the States, but it was later discontinued when the government realized this program was benefiting the south more than the north. The government of Israel also does prisoner exchanges. Like I said before, I see benefits and dangers on this issue.Bergdahl disappeared June 30 while based in eastern Afghanistan and is the only known American serviceman in captivity. The Taliban claimed his capture in a video released in mid-July that showed the young Idaho soldier appearing downcast and frightened. He hadn't been heard from until Friday's video, in which he looks well and speaks clearly.
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force confirmed hours later that the man in the video was Bergdahl, but denounced both its timing and content.
"This is a horrible act which exploits a young soldier, who was clearly compelled to read a prepared statement," said a statement from U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, ISAF's spokesman. "To release this video on Christmas Day is an affront to the deeply concerned family and friends of Bowe Bergdahl, demonstrating contempt for religious traditions and the teachings of Islam." read more from FOX News
