Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel testified before Congress this morning about the swap of Bowe Bergdahl for five Taliban terrorist leaders. I (along with most observers) expected Hagel's testimony to be idiotic; Hagel did not disappoint on that score.
First of all, Hagel tried to downplay the importance of the five released terrorists by stating that they were just "planners" who had not directly participated in attacks on Americans. Following this "defense" of the swap, Hagel immediately backtracked in response to questioning. First Hagel admitted that the five men might rejoin the fight by the terrorists against America. Then came this exchange with Congressman Thornberry of Texas:
Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas--"So your point was they didn't pull the trigger, but they were senior commanders of the Taliban military who directed operations against the United States?"
Hagel --"That's right."
In two words, Hagel admitted that these five guys directed the operations of great many terrorists against American targets. That makes these five MORE important, not less important.
First of all, Hagel tried to downplay the importance of the five released terrorists by stating that they were just "planners" who had not directly participated in attacks on Americans. Following this "defense" of the swap, Hagel immediately backtracked in response to questioning. First Hagel admitted that the five men might rejoin the fight by the terrorists against America. Then came this exchange with Congressman Thornberry of Texas:
Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas--"So your point was they didn't pull the trigger, but they were senior commanders of the Taliban military who directed operations against the United States?"
Hagel --"That's right."
In two words, Hagel admitted that these five guys directed the operations of great many terrorists against American targets. That makes these five MORE important, not less important.
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