Maybe they ain't so bad after all.

Yes, there are situations. Far worse. Than spending 5 years as a prisoner of the Taliban. In Afghanistan. I would have considered trading places.  With Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The American soldier that walked off his base in 2009.  And into the arms of the Taliban. Now he’s free and finally coming home. In exchange for five American-held  Taliban prisoners.  Of course, some conservative and super patriotic politicians are suggesting that Bergdahl may have deserted, and gone willingly to the Taliban.  That remains to be seen.  But even if he did desert, I’d not make a big deal of it. I’d let him off the hook. Without any punishment. Especially if Bergdahl’s intent was to get a better understanding of  the Taliban.  It’s a wonder he wasn’t killed. But then, that says something good about the Taliban. They let him be. Took care of him. For five years. I’d have used that time to cultivate a decent relationship with my captors. By trying to understand their motivations. I’d look for clues. As to what makes them tick. Perhaps Bergdahl took advantage of his opportunity. And became very knowledgeable of the Taliban. Deciding they ain’t so bad, after all. –Jim Broede