In a new post at The College Conservative, Elizabeth Marcello examines the recent events surrounding Bowe Bergdahl.

Bergdahl: POW or Terrorist Sympathizer?

Based on my previous articles, readers have probably figured out by now that the treatment of our military (presently serving and past) is an issue of utmost importance to me. You can imagine that upon hearing of the Taliban’s release of American POW Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl I felt relief-but it was short-lived. In exchange for Bergdahl’s freedom, five Taliban leaders were cut loose from Guantanamo Bay. Based on a statement from Mullah Mohammad Omar, a former Taliban leader in Afghanistan, the release of the five Gitmo prisoners was a “big victory”, indicating that these prisoners are of high value. Furthermore, American lawmakers have expressed concern over the trade; Senator James Inhofe and Representative Buck McKeon of the Senate and House Armed Service committees voiced their opinions in a joint statement:

“Like all Americans, we celebrate the release of Sergeant [Bergdahl] from terrorist captivity. When one of our own comes home to us, we all rejoice. We are relieved that the ordeal and sacrifice of the Bergdahl family has come to a happy conclusion.

In the days ahead however, we must carefully examine the means by which we secured his freedom. America has maintained a prohibition on negotiating with terrorists for good reason. Trading five senior Taliban leaders from detention in Guantanamo Bay for [Bergdahl’s] release may have consequences for the rest of our forces and all Americans.

Our terrorist adversaries now have a strong incentive to capture Americans. That incentive will put our forces in Afghanistan and around the world at even greater risk.”

The details of the prisoner swap get sketchier. The President of the United States is required by law to notify Congress thirty days before the transfer or release of any Gitmo prisoner, which Obama failed to do. This move illustrates President Obama’s indifference towards American law as well as his lack of understanding of military strategy. As Commander in Chief, the President has no excuse for such ignorance.