Voice Of Jihad Website/AP
Film of Saturday’s release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees has been released by the Taliban. It shows two guards, one of whom is holding a white flag, walk Bergdahl to a central area where U.S. and Taliban forces shake hands and Bergdahl is patted down. When a helicopter with Bergdahl takes off, a message in English flashes: “Don’t come back to Afghanistan.” It also includes shots of the five detainees arriving in Qatar, greeted by fanfare. Although the video has not yet been independently verified, the Pentagon’s press secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby, said he is aware of it and “has no reason to doubt the video’s authenticity.” Once celebrated, the Bergdahl exchange is facing increasing scrutiny. Bergdahl has been accused of desertion and costing his unit the lives of his fellow soldiers. Politicians have also attacked the Obama administration for negotiating with the Taliban, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the White House since 2002.