The US has been secretly releasing captured Taliban fighters from a detention center in Afghanistan in a bid to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the insurgent group. The "strategic release" program of high-level detainees is designed to give the US a bargaining chip in some areas of Afghanistan where international forces struggle to exercise control. Under this very risky program, the hardened fighters must promise to give up violence and are threatened with further punishment, but there is nothing to stop them resuming attacks against Afghan and American troops.
"Everyone agrees they are guilty of what they have done and should remain in detention. Everyone agrees that these are bad guys. But the benefits outweigh the risks," a US official was quoted as saying.
Benefits outweigh the risks? Really? The people in the government who thought this one up should be required to make the notifications, in person, to the families of American Service members who are killed by the fighters who promised to give up violence and been released. I seem to remember that when detainees were sent to Saudi Arabia, who then released them on similar promises, an estimated 80% returned rejoined Al Qaeda within a few months.
Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This is an example of insanity brought on by a desire for political expediency. -Only this time the price will be American lives....
Live Long and Prosper....
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