Differing Accounts Of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s Torture and Captivity Come To Light

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was held in a metal cage in darkness for weeks and possibly months in retaliation for one or possibly two failed escape attempts, according to The New York Times. Bergdahl is currently undergoing treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. He has been assigned a team of doctors and specialists to help reintegrate him into society after his five years in captivity at the hands of the Taliban and Taliban aligned Haqqani Network.

According to the New York Times, Sgt. Bergdahl is in stable health and shows relatively few signs of malnourishment. He has some skin and gum disorders which are typical of poor hygiene and exposure. He currently weighs in at 160 lbs. on a 5’9? frame and is sleeping a healthy seven hours per night. This information starkly contrasts accounts from the Obama Administration, citing a video the Taliban allegedly made in December of Sgt. Bergdahl which the administration said was so alarming that it made his release a priority.

The contrast between Bergdahl’s seemingly stable health at Landstuhl and the Obama Administration’s account of his health prior to the controversial prisoner exchange have been seized upon by the administration’s critics. The Washington Post tells us that what is clear, according to closely held intelligence reports over the years, is that Bergdahl was frequently moved during his captivity and traded among various militant groups. The Washington Post further tells us in a statement from the Pentagon’s press secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby, that “the Defense Department would not comment on discussions that Sgt. Bergdahl is having with the professionals who are providing him medical and reintegration care” and that it would “conduct a comprehensive review to learn the circumstances of Sgt. Bergdahl’s disappearance and captivity..?.?. Our focus remains on providing him with the care he needs.”

Adding fuel to the controversy, The Inquisitr previously reported that Bergdahl’s statements are in absolute opposition from those statements issued by the Taliban who said after releasing him that he was treated well during his captivity, and was even allowed to play soccer with the men holding him captive. The Taliban further said that Bergdahl enjoyed playing soccer and reading books about Islam.

Sgt. Bergdahl spent nearly five years in captivity by the Taliban before his release in exchange for five Taliban leaders; a deal negotiated by the Obama Administration without, as constitutionally required, the consent of congress. This action has resulted in a myriad of criticism from both parties, and even families of soldiers killed in the hunt for Bergdahl and some soldiers within Bergdahl’s own unit, who have gone on record stating that Sgt. Bergdahl deserted his post willingly on the night of his disappearance.

With so many differing accounts of Bergdahl’s disappearance and ensuing captivity at the hands of the Taliban, it remains unclear when the actual details of what really happened will come to light.