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Barack Obama condemns video of solider
Paul Thompson, in Miami21.07.09
Barack Obama today condemned a “humiliating” video showing an American soldier captured in Afghanistan effectively pleading for his life.
The US president will protest at the release of the video of the hostage, who has been held captive for more than two weeks, at the White House when he joins the Apollo 11 astronauts to
celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The 28-minute video shows private Bowe Bergdahl being prompted by his captors to call for US forces to be withdrawn from Afghanistan. He also says he is scared that he “will not be able to
go home”.
White House officials said Mr Obama was “appalled” by the propaganda video and has ordered forces in the region to do whatever is necessary to secure the safe return of the young
soldier.
The video, which was posted on YouTube, echoes the videos from the 1990 Gulf war, when RAF pilot John Peters and navigator John Nichol were
shot down and later forced to appear in videos condemning British forces in their fight to drive Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Pentagon officials led the condemnation of the video which showed 23-year-old Pte Bergdahl eating and drinking tea.
“We condemn the use of this video and the public humiliation of prisoners. It is against international law,” said military spokesman Colonel Greg Julian. “We are doing everything we
can to return this soldier to safety.”
Pte Bergdahl disappeared at the end of last month while out on patrol. In the video he says he became detached from his colleagues and was snatched by the Taliban. Despite an intensive search, he was never found and was feared to have been executed.
It is the first time a member of the US forces
has been held hostage in Afghanistan since the invasion in 2001.
Pte Bergdahl is a member of the 501st Parachute Regiment, based at Fort Richardson in Alaska. He is from Ketchum in Idaho, where local residents
began tying yellow ribbons around trees near his family's home as they wait for his release and return.
In the video he was asked about his views on the war, his family life and the morale of US soldiers, which he described as “low”. He says: “I am scared. I'm scared I won't be able to go home. It is very unnerving to be a prisoner.
“I have my girlfriend who is hoping to marry. I have my grandma and grandpas. I have a very, very good family that I love back home in America.”
He continues: ”I miss them every day that I'm gone. I miss them and I'm afraid that I might never see them again and that I'll never be able to tell them that I love them again. I'll never be able to hug them.”
Later he is prompted to deliver a message to “your people” and says: “To my fellow Americans who have loved ones over here, who know what it's like to miss them: you have the power to make our government bring them home.”
Pentagon officials have not discussed what actions are being taken to safely retrieve Pte Bergdahl, who is thought to be in the Taliban-controlled province of Ghazni. A spokesman said his fate has yet to be decided — but it is
likely he will be exploited further for other propaganda.
Reader views (7)
When I saw the video on our evening news of PVT Bowe Bergdahl, I wept. The look of fear in his eyes, broke me. How can you, Manny say what you posted?? Can you be such an idiot and be that easily deceived?? Only God knows what kind of treatment is given once the camera is off. I am sure they are giving him a pedicure and asking him how he wants his steak cooked! You bloody bloke!
- Velma, San Antonio, TX USA
It is unthinkable what these animals will/probably/might do to this boy if US forces don't reach him. Brown and Obama should forget about keeping face for just once, and pull out. Lives are being lost for nothing. We have no reason to be over there. For Christ sake pull out!
- Neil, London
Manny, you have no idea how PFC Bowe is being treated off camera, and you have no idea how the Afghanis are being treated, except for the handful that have made the news. Why is he so scared that he will never see his family? What are they doing to him while the camera isn't rolling? Have some god damn respect you ignorant elitist.
- Steve, Boston, USA
This propaganda video shows a clean cut US para,what you do not see is what they do after the video has finished.
Remember these barberians have no respect for human life.I prey that this young boy is returned to the civilized world. alive and well.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy
If Barrack Obama read any Rudyard Kipling he would realise how lucky Bowe Bergdahl really is! He would also realise that history does repeat itself, and, nobody appears to learn from its lessons. The Russians certainly did not, and, have had plenty of time to ponder over the error of their judgement, as I am sure NATO will! The problem that any nation that has attempted to intervene, or, occupy the Afghanistan is how to get out without totally losing face? Unfortunately, nobody from Alexander the Great, through to NATO/Brown/Bush has come up with the solution! So if we have got to come out with our 'tail between our legs' and, admit defeat why not, if it stops this pointless waste of life, for no acceptable reason on both sides!
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.
Manny Goldstein, London, UK YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.MANY THANKS AT LEAST SOME ONE SPEEKS TRUTH. PLEASE COME FORWARD TO STOP THIS AIMLESS WAR
- Chishty, London
He seems to be treated better than the Afghans who were in the custody of the United States!
- Manny Goldstein, London, UK
