None of this matters and only “muddies the water” and “clouds the real issue”. The man joined the military and “deserted” his post. That is a crime. How they determine, and for what reasons they determine his guilt, will play into the sentence he receives.
The bigger picture in this case is OBAMA. He is determined to shut down GITMO. It has been his goal from day one. He will stop at nothing. This was a perfect situation to take the worst of the worst to begin the “emptying” process. Unless he is stopped right NOW...he will accomplish his goal.
All narcissists succeed in this manner.
I would suggest this. The intention was that this would clean up the VA episode and make the administration look “great”. Sadly, they never asked the Pentagon why the dimwit wasn’t listed as a POW, and never talked to the CIA...which indicates the Presidential staff doesn’t know much beyond their front door on anything, unless CNN broadcasts it.
So, onto damage. First, GI’s and Vets are infuriated with the mess created, and don’t believe any of the excuses given...which will cause more damage for the November elections.
Second, the Army can go fully ahead and charge the guy with several crimes, and the President is stuck allowing it to happen (he’d look like an idiot if he orders them to waiver Bergdahl).
Third, the Senate is going to come up and ask WHAT OTHER deals are you working presently that you haven’t talked to us about? You can expect this to consume both Republican and Democratic players.
Fourth, more gaming with Gitmo? No....this is it. They will drop the dozen other ideas they were playing with, and try to clean this up. Zero interest in Gitmo for the rest of time left.
All in all.....it’s the work of amateurs in the White House staff....who say they have connections to the CIA and Pentagon, when they don’t. Someone needs to be brought into the Senate....questioned....and suspended from pay for three months for this act.