US prisoner swap angers domestic critics

The dramatic deal to free soldier Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for Taliban prisoners ignited criticism after the insurgents' leader declared a "big victory," but also raised hopes for peace as the US prepares to leave Afghanistan.

Washington has defended the swap as critical to saving Bergdahl's life, as his health had deteriorated sharply after five years spent as the only US soldier held captive by the Taliban since the war began in 2001.

But the exchange announced Saturday was criticized by Republican lawmakers, who said the five Taliban prisoners, all held at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, could return to the battlefield and pose a threat to Americans abroad.

• The Afghan president is angry at being kept in the dark over the deal and accuses Washington of failing to back a peace plan for the war-torn country, a senior source said on Monday.

• US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed hope it could lead to direct US talks with the Taliban, and support the Afghan-led effort to reach a peace that prevents the state from failing after US withdrawal.

AFP - Reuters
[globaltimes.cn]
2/6/14
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• Full Obama Statement on Prisoner Release