Is nervous Obama White House holding Bergdahl report hostage?

[Valin]

Fox News:

Lt. Col. Bill Cowan (ret.)

January 16, 2015

 

Last Sunday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey, indicated that he expected a decision “fairly soon” on whether the Army will court martial Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for allegedly deserting his post in Afghanistan, or has cleared him, paving the way for separation from the service and back pay in excess of $200,000. Moreover, a decision to clear Bergdahl may well open the door for him to be designated a former prisoner of war, ensuring him substantial monthly pay, medical and educational benefits for the rest of his life.

 

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The Army knows that if it puts Bergdahl up before a court martial, an astute defense attorney will claim that, once captured, he tried to escape, thereby proving his intent to return, thereby proving he was a prisoner of war despite the circumstances of his capture. It also knows that if he’s cleared, irrespective of the evidence leading to such a decision, the backlash from the military and from the American public will be intense. Military men and women, particularly those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will feel betrayed. Rightfully so.

 

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Army Gen. Ken Dahl, who conducted the investigation, has certainly been under pressure to do it right. So too is Army Gen. Mark Milley, who, based on Dahl’s findings, will make the ultimate decision on whether to charge Bergdahl. Both generals know that the White House is watching them closely, as is America, and as are military servicemen and women worldwide. Very closely. And we can guess what the White House wants.

 

In White House terms, not charging Bergdahl means that he was indeed worth the trade for the Taliban Five. But charging him on any level means that releasing the five Taliban was an error of monstrous proportions, one the administration will never be able to explain away satisfactorily.

 

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