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POW Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Recaptured by the Taliban

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    Lt. Col. Oliver North reacts

  • Duration 5:59
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And I -- the question you -- are we better off now is Iraq better off now as a result of that sacrifice.

Yes short answer because the military which was once -- -- opposed to -- led by Saddam Hussein is now very pro American.

It's the strongest institution of the country.

Now that may not -- well with those who want.

More of a democratic process but in fact it's the best educated segment of society.

They're very pro American.

They know the the force of American arms and to a remarkable extent they're very well trained by the US military personnel all of whom will be out literally in matter of next several days.

In the future is somewhat uncertain politically but I have no doubt that ultimately.

This can be a very important bastion for the United States a friend in the neighborhood where we need friends.

Unlike you know so many of us you actually know.

The soldiers and and and those who have boots on the ground in Iraq and have -- and you know a lot of these families who have lost.

Loved ones who gave their lives in connection with this war -- did they believe it's worth it.

Well you know unfortunately many of them and not been told that the sacrifice that they made that -- if they're they're young loved ones made.

Has made a difference and it hats any part of the world where we really do need to have friends.

Now is that the complete difference that we would like to have like a VE day -- -- -- they know.

But it's certainly far better in the outcome of the first floor I went to a place called Vietnam.

Where we now see we've got friends in that part of the world where we've got an adversary like Iran where we've got.

Uncertainty like we have in Pakistan and issuable broom -- being just one of the many issues that.

Illuminates our problems with with Pakistan.

And one of the reasons we're doing this 100 episode war stories this coming weekend.

Is not just to celebrate ourselves and what we've we've done and ten years of documentary television but to recognize the extraordinary sacrifice.

That's been made by these young Americans over a 1500000.

Actually saw combat.

On the ground.

In Iraq and our cameras were there for an awful lot of.

Unbelievable they they were and I know you you've you know that this series has been really very powerful compelling.

And one of the stories that you've been talking about and -- -- -- program he joined just had to call our attention to it has had.

-- -- a disturbing update I want the viewers to know about it we're talking about -- -- you mention him moments ago -- came on the program not long ago talked about him he's the only.

Known US soldier being held prisoner by the Taliban.

Last week he managed to escape he made a break for freedom he he achieved freedom but after three grueling days on the run.

In this mountainous region of Pakistan he was recaptured by the Taliban he's believed to be back in captivity.

There's some good news and some bad news in this story tell us.

Well first of all good news is we have proof of life and and that's very important to his family and organizations like the National League of Families of the missing POWs which put out those bracelets I mean it's it's important that you have that proof of.

Looks a -- any any hasn't gone native.

No it doesn't appear that I think there when there was speculation there was speculation that he had converted a television -- -- -- I think what's important here is that one the American people -- -- -- holiday time to be praying for a safe return and soon.

Number two we know that he's in the hands of the economy network.

Which is perhaps the most vicious of all of the Taliban affiliates.

And they know that we know.

And that US military and -- that helped false.

Well -- because it is because the United States doesn't pay for ransom -- I think everybody knows I've been there done that would with the American hostages.

But the United States does pay for information leading to the safe release of Americans were being held -- under these kinds of circumstances.

Of the captors are gonna benefit but those who turn them in -- Indeed and that's what we can we ought to hope for.

In -- for you feel like he is in less danger now that he is escaped and been recaptured but the national spotlight is again on his case.

Or more danger.

Well certainly those who -- holding him know that -- valuable is much more valuable alive than he is dead that's the case was almost all American hostages.

There are certainly exceptions given radical Islam.

And their willingness to -- literally remove the heads of Americans in the hands of some of them.

But the leadership of the economy network and the Taliban affiliates out there knows that he is a valuable commodity.

Much more so alive -- -- Added they I mean why the shift because we have seen them kill so many.

Of our soldiers why would they -- to keep this particular soldier and as a hostage.

Well you know there that that you may recall what happened on August 6 -- CH 47 helicopter get shot down and everybody aboard it's killed.

Within 48 hours those who did that were dead.

And the bad guys know that we have that kind of -- capability as well.

And so some of the lessons learned from the bad guises don't do that kind of thing anymore.

And if there's ever an opportunity for a -- law it's not going to include people who behead Americans is there anything.

Americans can do -- mean what what should we be doing is calling attention to this case.

Well and certainly what we just on right here is important what we did -- a few weeks ago when I told everybody about the bracelets have been issued by the National League of Families.

And pray for this young guy -- -- he clearly intends to get home then we would like to see him come.

They said he jumped jumped out of a window he sort of bits and the reports were that he would be.

Lulled them into believing that he had sort of converted and started to believe what they were saying and then.

Escaped out a window and ran -- looking for some sort of safe harbor but could not find it in that region and was found.

Hiding under some leaves in a ditch.

All our best to him and his family this is nothing many but he should have to deal with -- at any point nevermind so close to Christmas.

Colonel Oliver North thank you so Mercer you -- it was a pleasure for all the good work you do for troops.

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