Speaking of the Bergdahl exchange, Hagel declared “we complied with the law, and we did what we believed was in the best interests of our country, our military, and Sergeant Bergdahl.”
“The President has constitutional responsibilities and constitutional authorities to protect American citizens and members of our armed forces. That’s what he did,” Hagel said. “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.”
“We could have done a better job of keeping you informed,” Hagel said, noting that only a few hours elapsed between making the final arrangements with the Taliban through the government of Qatar, which mediated the exchange deal.
“As the opportunity to obtain Sergeant Bergdahl’s release became clearer, we grew increasingly concerned that any delay, or any leaks, could derail the deal and further endanger” him, Hagel said.
“We were told by the Qataris that a leak, any leak, would end the negotiation for Bergdahl’s release. We also knew that he would be extremely vulnerable during any movement, and our military personnel conducting the handoff would be exposed to a possible ambush or other deadly scenarios in very dangerous territory,” he said.
“I value the Defense Department’s partnership with Congress and the trust we have developed over the years,” Hagel told the committee. “I know that trust has been broken.”
“Our entire intelligence community carefully analyzed every part of it and concluded that Sergeant Bergdahl’s health was poor and possibly declining. This gave us growing urgency to act,” he said.
Hagel also complained about the politicization of the Bergdahl exchange and said he was “offended and disappointed in how the Bergdahl family has been treated by some people” amid the controversy over the release.
“We didn’t negotiate with Haqqani,” Hagel said, adding that Bergdahl was moved around during his five years of captivity while conceding the terrorist network did hold him at times.
Hagel emphasized the negotiations for Bergdahl’s release were conducted through the Qatari government, which dealt with the Taliban.
“It was fully consistent with our long-standing policy not to offer concessions to hostage takers,” Hagel said. “The Taliban is our enemy, and we are engaged in an armed conflict with them.”
“We have acknowledged that some of these individuals could attempt to return to activities that are of concern. The President said so explicitly on his trip last week,” she said. “But we have confidence that we will be in a position to go after them if, in fact, they are engaging in activities that threaten our defenses.”
http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/11/politics/bowe-bergdahl-release/
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White House: Yes, The Taliban Is a Terrorist Organization
June 4, 2014
By JOHN PARKINSON and LEE FERRAN
via Good Morning America
“Leaving no man behind.”
DRINK!!