Darlene Superville of the Associated Press writes GOP Lawmakers: Prisoner Exchange Violated Law, by failing to provide congress 30 days notice before transferring any terrorist from the U.S. detention facility in Cuba.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, 28, of Hailey, Idaho, was handed over to U.S. special operations forces by the Taliban. In return, five Afghans who were held at a U.S. detention facility in Cuba were released to the custody of the government of Qatar, which served as a go-between in negotiations for the trade.
Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon of California and Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma said in a statement that Obama is required by law to notify Congress 30 days before any terrorists are transferred from the U.S. facility. They said Obama also is required to explain how the threat posed by such terrorists has been substantially mitigated.
In response, the White House said it moved as quickly as possible given the opportunity that arose to secure Bergdahl's release. Citing "these unique and exigent circumstances," the White House said a decision was made to go ahead with the transfer despite the legal requirement of 30 days advance notice to Congress.
Superville says McKeon and Inhofe say they celebrate Bergdahl's release but warn that now "our terrorist adversaries now have a strong incentive to capture Americans."
It is unclear whether they are just griping our if they intend to try to make something of this apparent violation.
Earlier this morning Cartoon Peril's post announced Our only POW in Afghanistan is now free.
Bowe Bergdahl, our only POW in Afghanistan is now free. Apparently this required some sort of prisoner exchange for 5 Taliban leaders held in GITMO, who have been transferred to Qatar. Here's the President's statement (in part):
Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal. Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America’s past wars. Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield. And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue.
Sounds good to me. What say you?
Sound good to me too, Cartoon Peril.
Obama statement on Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, provides the rest of President Obama's remarks
For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Amir of Qatar. The Amir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries. The United States is also grateful for the support of the Government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s release.
This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as their chart their own future. The United States also remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led reconciliation process as the surest way to achieve a stable, secure, sovereign, and unified Afghanistan. While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.
I'm glad President Obama was able to find a way to accomplish this release. My guess is that if the Republicans try to press this issue to far they will feel a backlash from the American people who are glad we are not leaving someone behind.