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| Fifth Column |
| Hagel: U.S. Soldier Swap with Taliban was 'Right Decision' |
| 2014-06-12 |
| [AnNahar] Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel on Wednesday staunchly defended the swap of five Taliban detainees for U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, insisting it was the "right decision" despite the risks involved. The choice to go ahead with the exchange was a "tough call" but President Barack Obama Because I won... faced few options and needed to act given Bergdahl's deteriorating health, Hagel told politicians. "In the decision to rescue Sergeant Bergdahl, we complied with the law, and we did what we believed was in the best interests of our country, our military, and Sergeant Bergdahl." Seeking to counter a barrage of criticism from Republican politicians over the deal, Hagel said he endorsed Obama's decision because "America does not leave its soldiers behind." "We made the right decision, and we did it for the right reasons -- to bring home one of our own people." The May 31 exchange was in keeping with past U.S. conflicts and there was no option to prosecute the Taliban detainees held at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hagel said. But the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, blasted the decision as "deeply disturbing." "This transfer sets a dangerous precedent in negotiating with terrorists," McKeon said in his opening statement. "It reverses longstanding U.S. policy and could incentivize other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda, to increase their use of kidnappings of U.S. personnel," he said. McKeon accused the B.O. regime of failing to properly consult with politicians over the swap and that the move violated laws governing the transfer of Guantanamo detainees. Some Democrats in Congress have also criticized the White House for not keeping politicians fully informed of the situation. Hagel acknowledged that the administration may have fallen short on that count. "We could have done a better job of keeping you informed," said Hagel, but added it was an "extraordinary situation" that could have unraveled if word had leaked of the plan. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #3 Hagel said he endorsed Obama's decision because "America does not leave its soldiers behind." Part of the fundamental transformation of America the champ talked about. Quintus Arrius: Now listen to me, all of you. You are all condemned men. We keep you alive to serve this ship. So row well, and live. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2014-06-12 09:33 |
| #2 Hagel said he endorsed Obama's decision because "America does not leave its soldiers behind." Of course - just ask Ambassador Stevens and the others with him (two of which were Seals). They will tell you! Obama and his staff will never leave anyone behind, |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2014-06-12 09:13 |
| #1 The"deteriorating health" excuse has already been de-bunker, Chuckles. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2014-06-12 09:03 |