Critics of Bergdahl's Release Endanger
More Lives (The Peninsula, Qatar)
"The message this controversy sends to families of those
serving in conflict zones is extremely ominous: if one day their loved ones are
captured while on duty, the government's chances of securing their release are slim,
as no government, in the process of trying to rescue its own troops, wants to be
seen as aiding the enemy. ... In the current case, Bergdahl
has been dubbed a deserter. From members of Congress to his own former platoon
mates, critics are livid because Bergdahl was
captured after walking away from his post. But does that make him any less of a
U.S. citizen?"
The Obama Administration
is being unfairly criticized for the release of an American soldier from
Taliban captivity.
This
week's furor surrounding the release of American soldier Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for five Taliban prisoners has put the
Obama administration in a difficult position. It is a controversy that
President Obama likely didn't expect after tough negotiations with the Taliban.
As he did, his intentions were noble: to save the life of an American captured
while serving his country. When he finally succeeded, his critics have chosen
to excessively dwell on the negative consequences of such a deal, which has
taken the sheen off of his efforts.
Posted
By Worldmeets.US
The
message this controversy sends to families of those serving in conflict zones
is extremely ominous: if one day their loved ones are captured while on duty,
the government's chances of securing their release are slim, as no government,
in the process of trying to rescue its own troops, wants to be seen as aiding the
enemy.
In
the future, the choices will be tough, and the number of questions asked great.
Is the kidnap victim innocent - or somehow at fault? Is it right to pay a
ransom or release enemy prisoners that may encourage future kidnappings or fund
future terrorist attacks? Is it morally acceptable to allow a captive to die?
In
the current case, Bergdahl has been dubbed a
deserter. From members of Congress to his own former platoon mates, critics are
livid because Bergdahl was captured after walking
away from his post. But does that make him any less of a U.S. citizen? His
release should serve as an occasion for celebration because America’s only
military captive in the 13-year Afghan conflict is free at last. As a Taliban prisoner,
Bergdahl has suffered more than long enough for his
mistake, and that should close the argument.
Obama
has defended his actions, and said that if they are found to be a threat to U.S.
in the future, he could go after the freed Taliban. The Taliban are in the
business of targeting U.S. interests, and the addition of five men to its ranks
will make little difference. For Obama, though, the soldier's rescue was an
issue of supreme importance, and the means he chose to accomplish it fully
justified.
By
criticizing Obama’s action, the critics are actually endangering the lives of
American soldiers abroad. Governments the world over are known to resort to
such actions to save their citizens. According to reports, over the last three
years, European governments have paid $100 million in ransom to various al-Qaeda
groups across the Middle East and North Africa. Israel once released 1,000
prisoners in exchange for one Israeli soldier.
Patriotism
is commendable and national hubris understandable, but lives of people are more
important.
