|
Idaho POW may soon be repatriated |
|
January 4, 2011 |
 The
U.S. has given its blessing for the Taliban to
be brought in from the cold with a critical step
towards reconciliation as the world paused to
mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
So read headlines, and hopes, around the world.
There may soon be opened a diplomatic office in
Quatar, opening the way for talks between deadly
enemies ... Al Queda and the Taliban on one
side, the United States, roused by an attack on
its own soil September 11; a day that is forever
etched on the national ethos.
For an Idaho family, this day marks a day of
hope.
Army Private First Class Bowe Robert Bergdahl,
Sun Valley, Idaho, is the only known prisoner of
war extant in this nation's war against terror,
and he may finally, after being captured by the
Taliban Haqqani network June 30, 2009, be a chip
in the potential peace now being brokered.
During his time of captivity, the U.S. Army has
promoted him to sergeant.
A U.S. Army paratrooper, Bergdahl was assigned
to the 1/501st Infantry Regiment, Fort
Richardson, Alaska, one of this nation's elite
military units. Since his capture, his image has
appeared in several Taliban propoganda pictures
and films.
Based on the evidence, there is no doubt that he
lived through the worst a soldier can be
subjected to, and endured.
No doubt, either, that he was ever out of mind,
from the highest level of U.S. government, the
highest military command, right down to his
friends and ... most important, his family.
"We are optimistic about the possibility of
diplomatic discussions between Taliban officials
and government officials from other nations,
including the United States," Bergdahl's parents
said in a statement released today by Idaho
National Guard spokesman Colonel Tim Marsano.
"Our only son, Bowe Bergdahl, has been held
captive two and a half years. We hope he will be
released as soon as possible.
"We know that serious discussionis among
diplomats are the most likely way to make this
happen, and for Bowe to be returned to us, his
family. To Bowe, we want to assure you that you
haven't been forgotten." |
|
Questions or comments? Click
here to
email! |
|
|
|
|
