Maher Mocks Bergdahl Outrage: How Can Five ‘Bearded Assholes’ Be That Dangerous?

[mystery-ak]

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/maher-mocks-bergdahl-outrage-how-can-five-bearded-assholes-be-that-dangerous/

Maher Mocks Bergdahl Outrage: How Can Five ‘Bearded Assholes’ Be That Dangerous?
by Josh Feldman | 10:45 pm, June 6th, 2014

Bill Maher took on the Bowe Bergdahl controversy and mocked the conservative outrage over the deal that got him free, wondering how five Taliban commanders returning to be among “thousands and thousands of other bearded assholes” will make such a huge difference. Because, as Maher put it, Republicans would normally love the return of an American soldier, but now that Obama did it, they’re “blacktracking.”

Jim Geraghty argued there are plenty of legitimate questions about Bergdahl’s motivations and the deal itself. Anthony Weiner said it’s okay to have a “celebration” in honor of a soldier returning home while waiting for an investigation into whether he’s a “nutjob” and those two thoughts are not exclusive.

Maher mocked all the hysteria over the five released Taliban commanders, remarking how they must be “talented in the ways of terrorism like no other” for Republicans to be so worked up about it. He also went off on the fact that Guantanamo Bay is still open to begin with, and called it “such bullshit” that it’s Obama’s fault.


video at link if you care to watch

[mystery-ak]

I came to the conclusion a long time ago that Maher makes these outrageous statements just for publicity...he can't be this stoooopid!

[mountaineer]

Like the bearded assholes who flew two airplanes into the WTC, one into the Pentagon and one into a field in Pennsylvania?

[katzenjammer]

I know that this guy is an entertainment jerk, and you are probably correct that he says these outrageous things for the attention.  But...

I have to say, I haven't heard much realistic talk about these 5 in the more serious venues either.

I hear a lot of talk about whether or not they are going to "return/enter the 'battlefield'" and the accompanying speculation about if/when they can "return to Afghanistan?!?!?"  (I'm not even going to mention this more general meme that is being pushed: once our troops are out of Afghanistan, the "war" will be "over.")  The impression that I get when I read/hear these discussions paints a picture that the debate is about whether or not these Talibs are going to be able to, or be motivated to, pick up an AK-47, sling it over their shoulder, and charge into a shooting assault on a soldier.  This totally obscures the point; that isn't the kind of Talib that we are talking about with these 5.

They are commanders, leaders, their roles aren't about picking up a weapon and shooting anyone, nor are they going to be in a ditch planting an IED.

I suspect that all 5 of them have been "back on the battlefield" soon after touching down in Qatar.  No doubt they each have been given at least 1 encrypted sat phone, and when they were 'reunited' with their family/friends that joined them at the hi-end villas they are living at, any contact information that they needed was readily provided.

These 5 are most likely already re-engaged, they are making calls, setting up funding and resources, coordinating the enlistment and movement of their operatives, discussing strategies and tactics, etc.  You know, the stuff that commanders/general officers do....

All this talk about them being "grey beards" and "too old" to re-join the "battle" is absurd.  At best it is wishful thinking.

[rangerrebew]

Let us all hope Mr. Maher has an opportunity to find out how dangerous these "bearded assholes" are.

[EC]

This totally obscures the point; that isn't the kind of Talib that we are talking about with these 5.

They are commanders, leaders, their roles aren't about picking up a weapon and shooting anyone, nor are they going to be in a ditch planting an IED.

I suspect that all 5 of them have been "back on the battlefield" soon after touching down in Qatar.  No doubt they each have been given at least 1 encrypted sat phone, and when they were 'reunited' with their family/friends that joined them at the hi-end villas they are living at, any contact information that they needed was readily provided.

These 5 are most likely already re-engaged, they are making calls, setting up funding and resources, coordinating the enlistment and movement of their operatives, discussing strategies and tactics, etc.  You know, the stuff that commanders/general officers do....

All this talk about them being "grey beards" and "too old" to re-join the "battle" is absurd.  At best it is wishful thinking.

Well said and by far the most likely scenario.

I wouldn't expect them to be active just yet though - not only are they going to have to get up to speed on force availability, what specialists and new tactics are available and being used, but they are also going to be extensively debriefed and not exactly trusted for a while by the current command. That is going to take some time. The Tali's will be suspicious as hell over their release,and will assume at least one has been turned by the US. It is what they do.

[katzenjammer]

Good points, EC.  Yes, they will need to re-gain the confidence of their fellows.

[olde north church]

Well said and by far the most likely scenario.

I wouldn't expect them to be active just yet though - not only are they going to have to get up to speed on force availability, what specialists and new tactics are available and being used, but they are also going to be extensively debriefed and not exactly trusted for a while by the current command. That is going to take some time. The Tali's will be suspicious as hell over their release,and will assume at least one has been turned by the US. It is what they do.

As if these Taliban fellows aren't savvy enough to understand these guys haven't by "Lo-Jacked" for ease of location and Hellfire targeting.

[andy58-in-nh]

Maher may lack the beard, but he's still an bleep.