Daily Talker: Debate Over Release Of US Soldier In Prisoner Swap
The release of a U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan almost five years ago is stirring a sharp debate over whether the U.S. should have negotiated a deal with the Taliban.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was freed yesterday after President Barack Obama agreed to release five high-level Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Republicans say the deal could place U.S. troops in danger, especially if the freed detainees return to the fight. On CBS' "Face the Nation," Arizona Sen. John McCain described the detainees as "the hardest of the hard-core."
Lawmakers also say Congress should have been informed of the deal 30 days in advance, as required by law.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says Congress wasn't told because Berghahl's "safety and health were both in jeopardy" and officials had to act quickly.
Bergdahl has been taken to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for evaluation. It's not clear when he'll return to the United States.
Do you agree with the decision to release the Afghan detainees to get Sgt. Bergdahl's freedom? Or do you think it was wrong to negotiate a deal with the Taliban? Share your comments below, and watch for them on WBZ News in the Morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.
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