Quote:
Originally Posted by whell
The only way that this will be ultimately viewed as a successful move is if it results in a workable peace treaty with the Taliban in Afghanistan. That is the only standard by which it can be judged, because:
- it was the Administration's primary purpose for pursuing the release of Bergdahl at this time, and;
- it was a pre-condition of the Taliban to release these specific 5 prisoners, who were / are the top 5 Taliban commanders in custody at Gitmo, before the peach talks could begin.
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I do not disagree with your assessment.
This was a very cajones-laden call (similar to the Green Light on taking Bin Laden) that having go wrong could wind up bad, politically.
It's, also, why we should always desire a
thinker in the Big Chair. The risk/benefit on this is hugely in favor of the trade but not if you're a simpleton. A prior "cowboy" President wouldn't have possessed the analytical skill to look past the potential opposition sell as capitulation.