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           Afghan Taliban Releases Video Showing US Soldier Hand-Over

   by VOA News

   The Afghan Taliban have released a video showing the handover of
   Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier who was freed Saturday as part
   of a prisoner exchange.

   The 17-minute video, made public on Wednesday, shows Bergdahl clean
   shaven, including his head. He is dressed in a white traditional Afghan
   robe.

   The soldier is initially seen sitting in a pick-up truck that is parked
   on a hillside. He blinks constantly and rubs his eyes in the bright
   sunlight. Several armed men stand nearby.

   Later, Bergdahl is handed over to several men who arrive in a
   military-style helicopter. One of the men who leads him to the waiting
   chopper carries a white flag.

   Twice during the video, the words "Don't come back to Afghanistan"
   appear on the screen.

   A Defense Department spokesman says U.S. officials are reviewing the
   video but have no reason to doubt its authenticity. In a statement,
   Rear Admiral John Kirby also said Bergdahl's transfer was "peaceful and
   successful," and that the military's focus remains on getting him the
   care that he needs.

   The Taliban captured the 28-year-old soldier in 2009, about two months
   after he arrived in Afghanistan. The circumstances of his capture
   remain unclear.

   On Saturday, the militant group freed him in exchange for five Afghan
   detainees who were held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay,
   Cuba.

   Bergdahl was flown to a U.S. military hospital in Germany for an
   evaluation.

   On Tuesday, President Barack Obama defended his decision to free the
   five Afghan militants in exchange for Bergdahl.

   He said the U.S. had a "sacred" obligation to not leave men and women
   in uniform behind.

   The president's decision has been questioned by some members of
   Congress, who said the release violated a U.S. law mandating that
   Congress be notified 30 days before prisoners are released from
   Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

   The five prisoners were flown Sunday to Qatar after the Taliban
   released Bergdahl.  Under terms of the swap, the detainees from
   Guantanamo are barred from leaving Qatar for one year.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-taliban-releases-video-showing-us-soldier-hand-over/1929095.html