The deal to release five Taliban detainees for an American prisoner of war is drawing starkly different reactions in Washington.
Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI) said, "I believe this decision will threaten the lives of American soldiers for years to come." Writing in defense of the swap, Ken Gude of the Center for American progress called the move "a masterstroke and worthy of congratulations." U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, 28, had been held captive for five years.
The five Taliban members had been held in Guantanamo since being captured in 2002 after the U.S. and coalition forces invaded Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
What does international law say about handling POWs? Do you support or oppose the release of Bergdahl for the price of releasing men who were all senior Taliban commanders?
Guests:
Ken Gude, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress who focuses on national security and Guantanamo
Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Author, “Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present"