Obama defends deal with Taliban to free US soldier

Obama defends deal with Taliban to free US soldier

WARSAW, Poland (AFP) - President Barack Obama yesterday defended a prisoner swap with the Taliban to free an American soldier, saying his 'sacred' trust as commander-in-chief outweighed claims he broke the law and set a dangerous precedent.

Obama is facing rising questions about the deal to secure the release of US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl after five years, in return for the transfer of five Taliban prisoners from the 'war on terror' prison at Guantanamo Bay.

At a press conference in Poland, Obama was unrepentant, as the White House issued a new legal justification for his action.

'The United States has always had a pretty sacred rule. That is we don't leave our men or women in uniform behind,' Obama said.

'We saw an opportunity, we were concerned about Sergeant Bergdahl's health... and we seized that opportunity,' Obama said.

Initial euphoria in Washington about Bergdahl's release has degenerated into a mounting political row, shaped by consistent Republican claims that Obama is a naive leader and a liability as commander-in-chief.

It has also revived a showdown over Obama's still unfulfilled vow to close down Guantanamo Bay -- which has repeatedly been blocked by Congress.

The president's decision to sign off on the swap has also been criticised because of reports that Bergdahl deserted his post in Afghanistan nearly five years ago.

Obama said Bergdahl's state of health had not yet permitted an interrogation about his capture, but said the mystery of his disappearance didn't change his own basic obligation as commander-in-chief.

'We still get an American soldier back if he is held in captivity. Period. Full stop. We don't condition that.'

Lawmakers have com-plained that they were not given the 30 days notice required by law ahead of prisoners being transferred out of the war on terror camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

ADVERTISEMENT

Videos

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Today's Cartoon

ADVERTISEMENT

from Google News http://#

via IFTTT

Tweet