The Price of An American Soldier
The Price of an American Soldier
Christine Lang Applewhite
COMM/215
June 9, 2014
Daria Woodside
The Price of An American Soldier
Every year, thousands of American men and women pack their bags, join the military, and swear allegiance to the United States of America. Within weeks, many of these same Americans are sent to fight in other countries, away from their homes and their families, often struggling to understand the battle they fight. Without question, these young men and women vow to protect and serve our country. Year after year, many of these same American soldiers die in battle and some will be captured by the very people they protect us from.
Recently, it was reported in the news, that President Barack Obama was criticized for releasing five Taliban leaders in exchange for the release of one captured American soldier, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was said to be in a critical medical condition. According to the Washington Post, "U.S. officials stressed that the swap does not set a precedent...for future releases of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. “Bergdahl is an exceptional case,” said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity...” (Gearan, 2014, p.1). According to the media, many Americans feel that was too steep a price to pay for one American soldier. It 's thought that these same Taliban leaders, will once again aid the terrorists in their fight against the United States, and as a result, the capture of American soldiers will result in the release of more Taliban leaders. (Benac, 2014). Soldiers who served with Sgt. Bergdahl, account of his capture. It 's their assertion, that Bergdahl deserted his post when he walked off the base without clearance and the Taliban captured him. His reckless actions caused the loss of soldiers, who subsequently lost their lives searching for him. According to the Pentagon, no connection has been made between the search for Sgt. Bergdahl and the
Christine Lang Applewhite
COMM/215
June 9, 2014
Daria Woodside
The Price of An American Soldier
Every year, thousands of American men and women pack their bags, join the military, and swear allegiance to the United States of America. Within weeks, many of these same Americans are sent to fight in other countries, away from their homes and their families, often struggling to understand the battle they fight. Without question, these young men and women vow to protect and serve our country. Year after year, many of these same American soldiers die in battle and some will be captured by the very people they protect us from.
Recently, it was reported in the news, that President Barack Obama was criticized for releasing five Taliban leaders in exchange for the release of one captured American soldier, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was said to be in a critical medical condition. According to the Washington Post, "U.S. officials stressed that the swap does not set a precedent...for future releases of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. “Bergdahl is an exceptional case,” said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity...” (Gearan, 2014, p.1). According to the media, many Americans feel that was too steep a price to pay for one American soldier. It 's thought that these same Taliban leaders, will once again aid the terrorists in their fight against the United States, and as a result, the capture of American soldiers will result in the release of more Taliban leaders. (Benac, 2014). Soldiers who served with Sgt. Bergdahl, account of his capture. It 's their assertion, that Bergdahl deserted his post when he walked off the base without clearance and the Taliban captured him. His reckless actions caused the loss of soldiers, who subsequently lost their lives searching for him. According to the Pentagon, no connection has been made between the search for Sgt. Bergdahl and the
Citations: Gearan, A.(2014, June 5). Sources outline conditions on Taliban leaders ' release in exchange for Bergdahl. Washington Post. Benac, N. (2014, June 6). Saving Sgt. Bergdahl: What 's known and what 's not. Associated Press. Labott, E. (2014, June 8). Kerry defends Bergdahl-for-Taliban exchange. CNN U.S. Phillips, P. J., & Pohl, G.. (2013, December). Does Negotiating With Terrorists Make Them More Risk Seeking? Journal of Politics and Law, 6(4), 108. Roberts, S. V. (1980) “The Year of the Hostage.” New York Times Magazine, November 2, Sec. 6.