In response to the exchange of five high-level Taliban operatives for one US soldier–Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl–the US Senate Intelligence Committee held a closed-door briefing Tuesday, wanting answers as to why they were not included in the process, which from the beginning has raised concern for various reasons.
Among the criticisms are that the exchange puts Americans at risk by releasing potentially dangerous Taliban operatives, and that there may have been better alternatives in seeking the return of Bergdahl.
The exchange took place without the Senate’s knowledge despite a promise that the Obama administration would abide by a law that Congress be notified 30 days before any proposed transfer.
Congressmen are calling for an investigation. A full Senate briefing on the exchange has been set for Wednesday. Among the questions already raised are was the price of the exchange too high? was Bergdahl a deserter? was his health really in danger? and were there less costly options?
“Not even the weakest case has been made” to back up the administration’s assertion that Bergdahl’s health was in grave condition, necessitating immediate action, said Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga), after the closed-door briefing Tuesday.
By James Haleavy