The Briefing Room
General Category => National/Breaking News => Topic started by: mystery-ak on June 01, 2014, 11:52:08 am
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http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Bowe-Bergdahl-Hagel-moved-quickly/2014/06/01/id/574443/ (http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Bowe-Bergdahl-Hagel-moved-quickly/2014/06/01/id/574443/)
Hagel: Captive's Life Was in Danger
Sunday, 01 Jun 2014 07:00 AM
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Sunday the military operation to free Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detainees was not relayed to Congress because officials believed the soldier's life was in danger.
In his first extensive public comments about Saturday's operation, Hagel said intelligence the U.S. had gathered suggested that Bergdahl's "safety and health were both in jeopardy, and in particular his health was deteriorating."
Taliban members handed Bergdahl over to special operations forces in eastern Afghanistan, and later in the day the detainees were flown from the Guantanamo detention center to Qatar.
The Pentagon did not give Congress the required 30-day notice for the release of detainees.
Hagel said it was the administration's judgment the military had to move quickly to get Bergdahl out, "essentially to save his life."
He said it was the unanimous consensus of the National Security Council, and the president has the authority to order such a release under Article 2 of the Constitution.
Only a handful of people knew about the operation and Hagel said "we couldn't afford any leaks anywhere, for obvious reasons."
Speaking to reporters traveling with him just hours after Bergdahl was flown from Afghanistan to a military medical center in Germany, Hagel said the special operations forces conducting the operation took every precaution, using intelligence gathering, surveillance, well-positioned security assets and a lot of helicopters to ensure that things did not go wrong.
"No shots were fired. There was no violence," said Hagel. "It went as well as we not only expected and planned, but I think as well as it could have ...The timing was right. The pieces came together."
Hagel said he was hopeful the prisoner exchange could lead to a breakthrough with the Taliban.
He said the focus of the operation was on the successful return of Bergdahl, but "maybe this could provide some possible new bridge for new negotiations."
The U.S. has long argued that the best way to a successful outcome in Afghanistan included reconciliation with the Taliban insurgents.
Asked if this type of swap might embolden other militants to take hostages, Hagel said that this operation was a prisoner exchange. And he said terrorist groups are already kidnapping young school girls, business people and other innocent people.
Hagel declined to say whether he believes Bergdahl was attempting to desert the Army or go absent without leave when he walked away from his unit and disappeared nearly five years ago.
"Our first priority is assuring his well-being and his health and getting him reunited with his family," Hagel said. "Other circumstances that may develop and questions — those will be dealt with later."
He added that his own time in Vietnam and the fact that he knew people like Sen. John McCain of Arizona who was a prisoner of war, gives him a personal connection to such an exchange.
"This is a very happy day for the Bergdahl family," Hagel said. "It's a very important day for our troops and our country."
Hagel said he planned to talk to the Bergdahls soon, and will speak with the soldier at the appropriate time, so as not to interfere with his health care needs.
"I am particularly happy for the family. What they have had to endure, how they've endured it — it's been remarkable. They have not been bitter. They have adjusted, they never lost hope and faith," Hagel said.
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He's been a captive of the Taliban since the Obama administration has ruled America and they just now found out his life was in danger? The same Taliban that beheads people and just now his life is in danger? Give me a break.
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He's been a captive of the Taliban since the Obama administration has ruled America and they just now found out his life was in danger? The same Taliban that beheads people and just now his life is in danger? Give me a break.
Exactly....I am not buying into this at all...Obama needed a *good news* story re the military and this is it...
btw..how about getting the release of Sgt Tahmooressi in Mexico....Mexico is an ally it should be easier...how about swapping him for 1000 illegals... :shrug:
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He's been a captive of the Taliban since the Obama administration has ruled America and they just now found out his life was in danger? The same Taliban that beheads people and just now his life is in danger? Give me a break.
Everyone needs to keep in mind that THIS particular soldier was not captured in battle but as a result of his own personal choice to walk out of the compound to which his unit was assigned. Remembering that will put all of this in a very new light!
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"NO! You said "grave" danger!
I said,"danger" and you said, "grave danger" ...."Is there any other kind?"
"I can have it read back to you Col Hagel"!
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Everyone needs to keep in mind that THIS particular soldier was not captured in battle but as a result of his own personal choice to walk out of the compound to which his unit was assigned. Remembering that will put all of this in a very new light!
So I'm not the only one thinks this does not pass the smell test??
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The defector's father tweeted YESTERDAY that he will continue to work to close Gitmo and free all the prisoners. That all the killed Afghan children's deaths will be avenged.
The defector sent his uniform home to his parents and said he was ashamed to be an American and was thinking of defecting
Anyone surprised that O freed five Taliban Commanders in exchange for a fellow muslim.
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So I'm not the only one thinks this does not pass the smell test??
Obviously NOT!
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Everyone needs to keep in mind that THIS particular soldier was not captured in battle but as a result of his own personal choice to walk out of the compound to which his unit was assigned. Remembering that will put all of this in a very new light!
yep...which makes team Obama, Kerry & Hagel look even more ridiculous than usual. The new White House Press Secretary will be getting his baptism by fire on Monday.....
We've let defectors to the Norks rot before, I see no reason why Abu Bowie ar-Ameriki should not be allowed to live with his decision as well. The Taliban should have given him a chance at martydom....send him out in the field where the Apaches can hunt him down and give him a Hellfire suppository.....
:smokin:
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Everyone needs to keep in mind that THIS particular soldier was not captured in battle but as a result of his own personal choice to walk out of the compound to which his unit was assigned. Remembering that will put all of this in a very new light!
I am going to hold off judgement, brother. We've been there - a lot of us on this forum. Seen people make less than optimal choices and have their crisis of faith and judgement. I will wait for his own words. Figure I owe him that courtesy.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpA4mwUIUAA9rei.jpg)
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I am going to hold off judgement, brother. We've been there - a lot of us on this forum. Seen people make less than optimal choices and have their crisis of faith and judgement. I will wait for his own words. Figure I owe him that courtesy.
I'm making no judgments. Just reporting FACTS! And none of us have enough of those to make any judgments. But what I'm seeing so far does not look good at all!
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http://thehill.com/policy/defense/207842-hagel-says-bergdahls-health-was-deteriorating (http://thehill.com/policy/defense/207842-hagel-says-bergdahls-health-was-deteriorating)
Hagel: Bergdahl's health was deteriorating
By Kyle Balluck - 06/01/14 08:51 AM EDT
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Sunday said the U.S. moved to free Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from the Taliban in exchange for five Guantanamo Bay detainees “essentially to save his life,” according to multiple reports.
Hagel told reporters that U.S. intelligence “was such that Sgt. Bergdahl's safety and health were both in jeopardy and in particular his health deteriorating."
"It was our judgment that if we could find an opening and move very quickly ... we needed to get him out of there essentially to save his life,” Hagel said.
“I know President Obama feels very strongly about that,” Hagel added. “I do as well."
The Associated Press reported that Hagel also met with members of the special operations team the freed Bergdahl at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. The Defense secretary told them they represented the true spirit of never leaving a comrade behind, a U.S. official told the news service.
President Obama last week announced plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by 2016. Bergdahl, a 28-year-old Idaho native, was the last remaining American prisoner in Afghanistan.
"While Bowe was gone, he was never forgotten," Obama said late Saturday at the White House. "His parents thought about him and prayed for him every single day... The United States of America does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind."
The president’s decision drew criticism from top Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee.
"Trading five senior Taliban leaders from detention in Guantanamo Bay for Bergdahl's release may have consequences for the rest of our forces and all Americans," said Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), the Senate Armed Services ranking member and House Armed Services chairman, respectively, in a joint statement.
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It sounds like he was messed up BEFORE he was kidnapped! There is a possibility that this kid was trying to defect and presented himself as an opportunity to the enemy.
The marine being abused in a Mexican jail is in danger too and was not disloyal to the military. Where's the deal for him? Are they even trying?
Exactly....I am not buying into this at all...Obama needed a *good news* story re the military and this is it...
btw..how about getting the release of Sgt Tahmooressi in Mexico....Mexico is an ally it should be easier...how about swapping him for 1000 illegals... :shrug:
Sounds like a good deal to me! :beer:
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Let me see.........his health was getting worse YET now he is free and will be able to get onto the VA waiting list to be on the waiting list to die.
BS!!!!! They needed a excuse to get 5 gitmo prisoners out.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpA4mwUIUAA9rei.jpg)
I wonder what would happen if I harass a spokesman from the Taliban?
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Hagel: Captive's Life Was in Danger (http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,139344.msg570228.html#msg570228) Ok, so these clowns decide to fix this defector's life being in danger, by putting every Amercan's life on the planet in danger. Good move, moron.
This is a major, major, victory for the Taliban. You can bet they are dancing in the streets all over the M.E.
And you can be sure, now, that they will certainly try to repeat this victory with someone else.
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I wonder what would happen if I harass a spokesman from the Taliban?
(http://www.blackcatantiques.com/muslimsnearby.jpg)
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The Taliban should have given him a chance at martydom...
:smokin:
Wonder if he will try that here after he gets home?
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(http://www.blackcatantiques.com/muslimsnearby.jpg)
Should I do it??
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Wonder if he will try that here after he gets home?
That is my fear..
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With his apparently 'fake' captivity, this guy did more to help the Taliban than Ben Laden himself could have ever done. He is a hero to our enemies.
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Should I do it??
This story has some interesting layers to it, the more you look - the more you see.
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Here is my tweet to the Taliban: @ABalkhi #muhammad was a child molester!!!
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I will give this soldier the benefit of doubt, instead of condemn him based on what could be enemy propaganda.
He may be brainwashed. He may have acted under duress. He may not currently posses "capacity."
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I will give this soldier the benefit of doubt, instead of condemn him based on what could be enemy propaganda.
He may be brainwashed. He may have acted under duress. He may not currently posses "capacity."
I agree, but I'm seeing stories that suggest otherwise.. We have to wait and see.
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I'll wait to hear his own words. Not his Father, not his CO, not a politician - him.
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Here is my tweet to the Taliban: @ABalkhi #muhammad was a child molester!!!
Now you've gone and done it! :word:
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This guy was a deserter who may have put his fellow US troops in grave danger. When does his court martial begin? :patriot:
Read the link...
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1060/8351/original.jpg
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I'll wait to hear his own words. Not his Father, not his CO, not a politician - him.
How about somebody who was stationed with him?
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1060/8351/original.jpg
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How about somebody who was stationed with him?
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1060/8351/original.jpg
Thank you for the link. It seems damning, I agree, and I totally understand the rage and frustration just below the surface there. I do still wish to hear his own words though. People break. They do strange shit when that happens. Just one of the joys of combat, right? Have seen too many people break to rush to judgement - hell, come way too close to it myself from time to time. Though his CO should have been up on it at once. You simply can't afford that, at all, as the poster you linked says. A hole is a disaster waiting to happen.
Not making excuses for the guy. But I have seen people decide to simply go home when they have burnt out and start walking in roughly the right direction. You can usually tell and grab them before they have gone more than a mile or so, but not always.
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From chapter 3 of the book, Desertion for Dummies
WARNING! Going AWOL in Afghanistan can be dangerous to your health.
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WARNING! Going AWOL in Afghanistan can be dangerous to your health.
not for this guy.
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This just keeps getting better and better. The US Military had to put all kinds of Special Forces, Aviation and other sources at risk just to rescue a deserter who doesn't feel well any more?? What, that Taliban Single Payer Plan ain't workin' out, huh??
I think this operation was conceived as a way to give team Obama a foreign policy victory, any foreign policy victory, or any action that could possibly be spun as a foreign policy victory. As usual, the rank amateurs who are running things at the White House didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground, or a Prisoner of War from a goddam deserter. This on top of the still unfolding VA scandal makes me furious.
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If the administration did this knowing he may be a traitor and used it as an opportunity to free the prisoners, isn't that treason - aiding the enemy? :shrug:
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If the administration did this knowing he may be a traitor and used it as an opportunity to free the prisoners, isn't that treason - aiding the enemy? :shrug:
Everything this administration does aids the enemy.
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How about somebody who was stationed with him?
Hope nothing 'happens' to the guy who is speaking up...
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This on top of the still unfolding VA scandal makes me furious.
I feel the same way.
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I can't find the article now but it stated he was in good health for being in adaptivity for 5 years.
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I think this operation was conceived as a way to give team Obama a foreign policy victory, any foreign policy victory, or any action that could possibly be spun as a foreign policy victory. As usual, the rank amateurs who are running things at the White House didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground, or a Prisoner of War from a goddam deserter. This on top of the still unfolding VA scandal makes me furious.
If the blowback gets too bad, the poor guy just might take a 'turn for the worst'.
"See, I told you I was sick..."
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If the blowback gets too bad, the poor guy just might take a 'turn for the worst'.
"See, I told you I was sick..."
yah...Ibn Bob Bowie al-Amiriki needs to stay out of Fort Marcy Park once he returns to the US.
Here's a thought: How long will it be before Obama greets him at the White House??
:pondering:
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The tears are just gushing from my eyes for poor Bowe. No, really. :whistle:
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yah...Ibn Bob Bowie al-Amiriki needs to stay out of Fort Marcy Park once he returns to the US.
Here's a thought: How long will it be before Obama greets him at the White House??
:pondering:
it depends on how the polls go. soon if he gets traction. another question will bowe wear his evil uniform for the photo-op?
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it depends on how the polls go. soon if he gets traction. another question will bowe wear his evil uniform for the photo-op?
Ibn Bob is still on active duty, so yes, I expect him to emerge at some point in dress uniform. if he is brought up on charges I can guarantee he will be in uniform, likely in the stockade at Fort Leavenworth.
Let's see how this plays out. Its obvious the Administration has no clue they just stuck a finger in a light socket with this, because Bowie al-Ameriki's heart may belong to Allah, but his traitorous ass still belongs to the US Army.
:smokin: