Shouting distance was all that separated more than a dozen Taliban fighters and U.S. Special Forces on May 31, 2014. Rifles were drawn. Drones and helicopters circled overhead, all striking symbols of war–a war so painful to both American and Afghani people. No bullets or missiles were fired that tense day, and no lives lost. The moment marked a reconciliation of sorts between combatants, a human exchange happened.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the only U.S. prisoner of war (POW) held in Afghanistan emerged from the group of Taliban fighters and walked toward the Americans. As he made his march though the standoff, five Guantanamo detainees began their journey toward freedom as they were being released to the intermediary country Qatar.
Bergdahl was taken prisoner in Yahya Khel, Afghanistan in June 2009 and the circumstances surrounding his capture continues to be the subject of much speculation and opinion. This is very unfortunate given the fact that Bergdahl is a former POW who was held in the most remote Taliban-controlled regions of Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. There will be many stories told about Bergdahl, but the only one that matters is the story that he tells–the one he saw and lived–in his own words.
Bergdahl’s capture occurred when he was only 23, his formative years spent as a prisoner. He learned a new language, custom and culture–all under constant duress. When he did finally board the helicopter that would ferry him to freedom, he was taking his first steps toward healing.
Right now it is time for the two societies to focus on the steps toward reconciliation, for reconciliation can help to heal. The first steps have been taken as six families in the U.S. and Afghanistan see their loved ones after so many years.