Bergdahl...have you ever wondered?

Bergdahl was held by the Haqanni Network, not the Taliban. The Haqanni Network, often referred to as the Fountainhead of the Global Jihadist Movement, has been in the business of jihad since the 60's. They recognized the political value of an American prisoner and their gamble paid off when the US traded five captured Taliban leaders for him. Furthermore, the Haqanni Network has sided with the Taliban (both groups are predominately Pashtuns who are also Deobandi Fundalmentalist) in fighting Daesh's (ISIS) incursions into Afghanistan. So no, the theory that Berdahl is "one of the 71" holds no water.

As more details emerged, I was saddened to realize my initial thoughts were probably true-It would've been "nicer" if he had been a true coward, or an intentional traitor...seriously.

Less comfortable to swallow is that it seems he was suffering from "delusions of grandeur", and took his own assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, and decided to become "The Great Bergdahl-Soldier Activist of Afghanistan"...I bet the theme from Lawrence of Arabia was running through his head as he left the FOB.

This is what happens when we allow ambiguity and embrace personal interpretation in the military-Soldiers obey orders. Bergdahl felt he "understood" the "truth" about the war in Afghanistan, and believed he would arrive at the next FOB, "proving" some great point. We often spoke about not "going native" while working with the ANA.

In my opinion, he's lucky some real Chechen volunteers, or (eh-hmm) "Foreign" Arabs didn't grab him...let alone some "true believers" from the local branch of the Taliban. He's guilty of desertion, dereliction of duty, etc...but I don't think he's a jihadist.

SGT Richard H. Sarge, this is a good question, and I suggest adding the groups "News/Current Events" and "Army" to it for better dissemination.

As for your question, I hadn't considered that personally...I just think he's a yellow-bellied coward.