Fallout from the Bergdahl exchange? First, let’s consider
The swap of five high-level Taliban operatives — dubbed a jihadist “Dream Team” — for a U.S. Army sergeant accused by fellow soldiers of desertion has “encouraged†the Afghan terror group to kidnap more U.S. service members, according to a report.
A source described as a Taliban commander close to the negotiations that led to the release of Bowe Bergdahl told Time magazine the group wants to grab more Americans for similar deals.
“It’s better to kidnap one person like Bergdahl than kidnapping hundreds of useless people,†the commander told the magazine on condition of anonymity. “It has encouraged our people. Now everybody will work hard to capture such an important bird.â€
Does North Korea want in on the swap an American for something train?
(Fox News) An American tourist has been detained in North Korea for allegedly committing an unspecified crime, the country’s official news agency reported Friday.
The Korean Central News Agency said that authorities were investigating the American for allegedly committing acts inconsistent with the purpose of a tourist visit. It did not give details
KCNA said the American went to North Korea on April 29.
The person would be the third American currently held in North Korea.
In April, North Korea said it had detained a 24-year-old American for improper behavior while he was being processed to enter the country as a tourist. He was identified as Miller Matthew Todd — possibly putting his surname first. It said he entered the country on April 10 with a tourist visa, but tore it up and shouted that he wanted to seek asylum. The brief report said he chose the North “as a shelter.”
It’s interesting that NK is announcing this now, after detaining him a shade over a month ago. The North Korea leaders have a long history of threatening to Do Something in order to obtain material things. So far, I do have to give Obama credit for not falling into the trap previous presidents have been snared in. He’s pretty much ignored all the posturing, bloviating, and threatening by North Korea. Possibly because Obama just can’t be bothered to engage in the long negotiations required. That would require Work. But, hey, maybe he’s noticed the pattern and said “eh. You guys. Piss off”.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is still being held in a Mexican jail. Why not exchange him for something? At least he’s a good guy, not a deserter like Bergdahl.
Crossed at Right Wing News.
“Fallout from the Bergdahl exchange?”
“The person would be the third American currently held in North Korea.”
Do you think the other two held by North Korea were taken in anticipation of the US POW exchange?
“Meanwhile, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is still being held in a Mexican jail. Why not exchange him for something? At least he’s a good guy, not a deserter like Bergdahl.”
When was Sgt. Bergdahl convicted of desertion?
What war was Sgt. Tahmooressi fighting when he was arrested in Mexico violating their laws? Are you implying he was in Tijuana on a military mission and was captured by the Mexican Army?
Why do you think Sgt. Tahmooressi is a “good guy”? He is a Marine experiencing depression, PTSD and hypervigilance paranoia driving around with loaded weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his truck. Prosecutors say he is suspected of smuggling guns into Mexico, consistent with the circumstances of his arrest. The Mexicans may have saved his life by arresting him for violating their laws.
Do you know what efforts are underway to get Sgt. Tahmooressi home to get the treatment he so obviously needs and deserves?
Sgt. Bergdahl spent 5 years as a POW. Sgt. Tahmooressi has been in a Mexican jail for 2 months.
The State Department already cautions people about visiting North Korea. Can’t we upgrade that warning to, “If you’re stupid enough to go there, you’re on your own, chump!”
How many millions were spent by the government over the three Americans hiking along the Iraq/Iran border who went over to an Iranian border guard and were then seized? At what point do you stop paying for stupid?
True enough, but as Obama says, we don’t leave americans behind. So, I’m anticipating Obama to step up his efforts to return all american citizens home from foreign jails.
(yes J that was slight sarcasm with a hint of surrealism)
If the dude in NK did in fact tear up his passport and want amnesty from freedom, then he’s welcome to stay there like Burgdahl should have been in Afghanistan.
But, leave it to J to believe drug cartel-associated Socialists in Mexico over the guy and his family.
Dana, unfortunately, stupids have long been taught that Socialism will always be there to bail them out. ie: Bergdahl and Fluke
g,
I’m sorry you are so unhinged over this issue.
Again, Sgt. Bergdahl was a POW, and it’s part of the American core that we do not leave them behind. I’m stunned that so many conservatives advocated abandoning a POW. I guess their hatred of Obama outweighs their obligations to our soldiers. This is only one reason I despise right-wing extremism.
Other Americans in foreign jails are not POWs.
Mr. Tahmooressi was a reservist caught in a foreign country and he admitted violating the laws there. He was not in Mexico as part of a military operation. Do you see the difference between a POW and a guy arrested for a crime? Do you believe all Americans should be immune to foreign laws?
The US may negotiate with Mexico and get the Mexican govt to release Mr. Tahmooressi without prosecution, but neither the US nor Mexico are obligated to do so. Our military has little legal interest in Mr. Tahmooressi.
This is not even a close call, and is just another far-right shitstorm used to attack President Obama.