Friday, June 6, 2014

U.S. Poll Numbers: 45 Percent Approve vs. 47 Percent Disapprove Swapping Bergdahl For Five Taliban Prisoners

A sign of support of Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl is seen in Hailey, Idaho June 1, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Patrick Sweeney

Fox News Poll: 84 Percent Worry Prisoner Swap Puts US Soldiers At Risk -- FOX News

Americans hold mixed views of the Obama administration’s deal to swap a captive U.S. soldier for five Taliban prisoners, yet almost all fear that negotiating with terrorist groups will put U.S. troops at risk.

That’s according to a Fox News poll released Wednesday.

A prisoner exchange Saturday that released U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for five top-level Taliban prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay has sparked debate over negotiating with terrorists. Fully 84 percent of voters are concerned that making deals with terrorists will encourage those groups to take more American soldiers hostage. That includes a 57-percent majority that is “very” concerned and another 27 percent that is “somewhat” concerned.

Read more ....

My Comment: This poll was done before details on Bowe Bergdahl's behavior before becoming a prisoner were known. But it does tell me that Americans are far more willing to release high value prisoners who have committed massive war crimes (and who may return to battle) for U.S. prisoners than what is perceived to be the case. I expected a poll result of 80% disapproving swapping Bergdahl for these Taliban prisoners .... not 45%.

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