After Five Years in Captivity: American Soldier Released

The last soldier held captive by the Taliban was released. Bowe Bergdahl was held by his hostage takers for five years. Today, President Barak Obama, called his parents: “Your son is on his way home.” As part of a prisoner swap, five Taliban members being held in Guantanamo Bay, were released.

May 31, 2014, 09:30PM | Jacob Northbrook

Bergdahl comes home AP

For five years he was held by the Taliban, and today (Saturday), in what reminds many Israelis of the story of “Gilad Schalit”, President Barak Obama announced the release of Bergdahl, the last American soldier in captivity.

“Today, the American people are pleased to receive Bowe Bergdahl who has been held by the Taliban for almost five years,” said Obama in his speech. “In the name of the American people, it was my honor to call his parents and share our happiness that they will be able to see their son come home safely.”
The President further added that he thanked the parents for their “dedication and courage exhibited during this trying time.” Obama further thanked Qatar for the role it played in the soldier’s release, and so too the Afghan government.
As part of the release agreement, the US released 5 Taliban members being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The prisoners were moved to Qatar.

US soldier held hostage Reuters

Bergdahl’s release is the result of indirect negotiations between the Taliban and the US, with Qatar liaising between the two. American sources reported that US Special Forces have taken custody of Bergdahl in eastern Afghanistan, in a non-violent prisoner swap. According to one source, Bergdahl is doing well, and is currently undergoing a medical evaluation. 
Bergdahl is from Idaho, and is the only soldier missing since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. He was taken hostage under unknown circumstances, in eastern Afghanistan, by armed individuals in 2009, two months following his initial arrival in Afghanistan.