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Bergdahl charges revive questions over prisoner swap

U.S. Army Col. Daniel King addresses the news media about charges against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl at Fort Bragg, N.C., on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Bergdahl, who abandoned his post in Afghanistan and was held captive for five years by the Taliban, was charged Wednesday by the U.S. military with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy and could get life in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed) U.S. Army Col. Daniel King addresses the news media about charges against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl at Fort Bragg, N.C., on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Bergdahl, who abandoned his post in Afghanistan and was held captive for five years by the Taliban, was charged Wednesday by the U.S. military with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy and could get life in prison if convicted. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

By Associated Press March 26, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The tough military charges against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have revived the questions and controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s decision to swap five Taliban detainees to secure his release, as well as the wisdom of the White House fanfare that followed.

Bergdahl was charged Wednesday with desertion and misbehavior before an enemy. The latter charge carries a sentence of life in prison, as well as dishonorable discharge, reduction in rank and forfeiture of all pay if convicted.

Republicans cast the charges as validation of their fierce opposition to Obama’s prisoner swap, which the GOP has long criticized as politically motivated and a flagrant violation of U.S. policy against negotiating with terrorists. Lawmakers were also furious that Obama authorized the detainees’ release without consulting Congress.