The Debate On The Release Of Five Hard-Core Taliban Leaders For The Freedom U.S. Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl Begins

Exchange Of Idaho Soldier Bowe Bergdahl For Taliban Detainees Sets Off Debate -- McClatchy News

WASHINGTON — An American soldier who spent nearly five years in Taliban captivity was freed Saturday in exchange for five members of the Taliban who’d been imprisoned for years at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay in an unprecedented prisoner exchange that sparked both jubilation and controversy.

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, 28, the only U.S. soldier taken captive by the enemy in 12 years of Afghanistan conflict, was turned over to a U.S. military task force in eastern Afghanistan at about 10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, U.S. officials said. Less than four hours later, the five Taliban detainees took off from Guantanamo headed for the Persian Gulf state of Qatar, which had brokered the deal. Under the terms of their transfer, the five are to remain in Qatar for at least a year.

Read more ....

More Opinion And Commentary On The Release Of Five Hard-Core Taliban Leaders For The Freedom U.S. Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

A mass killer, Bin Laden's friend and an opium drug lord: Anger grows over release of hardened terrorists for America's only POW as Hagel insists Bergdahl's life was in danger -- Daily Mail
'These terrorists have the blood of Americans on their hands': McCain leads Republicans hitting out at 'illegal' Guantanamo Bay prisoner release in exchange for America's only prisoner of war -- Daily Mail
Bergdahl release arrangement could threaten the safety of Americans, Republicans say -- Washington Post
Bowe Bergdahl: Chuck Hagel praises release special forces -- BBC
In Afghanistan, Hagel Defends Bergdahl Mission -- Defense One
Q&A: Bowe Bergdahl's release -- Idaho Statesman
Will Bowe Bergdahl's release embolden US enemies? -- BBC
Bowe Bergdahl's first hours of freedom: Now the questions begin (+video) -- Brad Knickerbocker, CSM
Mixed Reactions from Military Community Following Bergdahl’s Release -- Boston.com
Military community reaction mixed to Bergdahl release -- Army Times
U.S. hopes prisoner exchange might bring Taliban breakthroughs -- Reuters