Crapo Opposed Similar Swap for Bergdahl

Idaho Statesman ^ | June 5, 2014 | Dan Popkey

[nickcarraway]

Sen. Mike Crapo talks to media in November 2010 on the night he was elected to his third six-year term. DARIN OSWALD — Darin Oswald / Idaho Statesman |Buy Photo The senator has 'significant concerns' about Saturday's trading five Taliban leaders for the Idaho soldier. GOP Sen. Mike Crapo said Thursday that he earlier objected to an Obama administration proposal to free six Taliban prisoners in exchange for the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

Congress was informed about the plan to exchange prisoners at Guantanamo for Bergdahl and Crapo was among those who “pushed back very strongly,” he told the Statesman.

“I don’t remember the exact dates, but back, I think, in 2011, there was a possibility like this,” Crapo said.

In earlier negotiations, the Taliban “wanted all of the Gitmo prisoners released and it may have been 21 and then other numbers,” Crapo continued. “I know that ultimately these five became a focal point — there were six of them at that time, but one of them has passed away.”

Crapo said that he would not have been critical of President Obama for having turned down Saturday’s deal for the same five prisoners — even if Bergdahl’s captors subsequently tortured and murdered him and showed the crimes on video.

“What I’m saying is I would not criticize the administration if that were to happen because even before I have expressed objection to the release of these five terrorists,” Crapo said.

Crapo spoke to the Statesman early Thursday, after Wednesday night’s 2-hour secure briefing of most of the Senate by the White House, Department of Defense, State Department and CIA, among others. Until Thursday, Crapo had declined interview requests.

“We are all still very happy that Bowe Bergdahl has been released and is in U.S. custody,” Crapo said. “(But) I personally

[wku man]

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Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[Newtoidaho]

Well, it wasn’t much of a debate anyway. More like wku man getting his ass handed to him by a better, smarter freeper. The topper is I get to continue winning each and every day, as each day of silence and invisibility continues from risch and crapo. They prove me right every day.

[wku man]

You asked for one article, I gave you SIX. Just how is that getting my a** handed to me? 1,2,3,4,5,...6, and that was with only one very quick search, using easy, general search terms, on only one search engine. You said I couldn't find one. Then, after I shut you down cold, you decided to move the goalposts...very weak. You are seriously deluded, dude.

Wait...Rex Rammell, is that you? That would explain a lot.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!