This is getting worse by the minute. Will Obama ever backtrack and apologize at any point, or will he keep on digging in and insisting that obtaining back this traitorous deserter was the right thing to do? Will the mainstream media continue to cover for him, or will it finally hold him accountable? Is the cover-up of what really happened here a result of the Administration’s desire not to have news out there about another Muslim soldier turning traitor?
“EXCLUSIVE: Bergdahl declared jihad in 2010, secret documents show,” by James Rosen, Fox News, June 5, 2014 (thanks to Marisa):
U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl at one point during his captivity converted to Islam, fraternized openly with his captors and declared himself a “mujahid,” or warrior for Islam, according to secret documents prepared on the basis of a purported eyewitness account and obtained by Fox News.
The reports indicate that Bergdahl’s relations with his Haqqani captors morphed over time, from periods of hostility, where he was treated very much like a hostage, to periods where, as one source told Fox News, “he became much more of an accepted fellow” than is popularly understood. He even reportedly was allowed to carry a gun at times.
The documents show that Bergdahl at one point escaped his captors for five days and was kept, upon his re-capture, in a metal cage, like an animal. In addition, the reports detail discussions of prisoner swaps and other attempts at a negotiated resolution to the case that appear to have commenced as early as the fall of 2009.
The reports are rich in on-the-ground detail — including the names and locations of the Haqqani commanders who ran the 200-man rotation used to guard the Idaho native — and present the most detailed view yet of what Bergdahl’s life over the past five years has been like. These real-time dispatches were generated by the Eclipse Group, a shadowy private firm of former intelligence officers and operatives that has subcontracted with the Defense Department and prominent corporations to deliver granular intelligence on terrorist activities and other security-related topics, often from challenging environments in far-flung corners of the globe.
The group is run by Duane R. (“Dewey”) Clarridge, a former senior operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1980s best known for having been indicted for lying to Congress about his role in the tangled set of events that became known as the Iran-Contra scandal. He was pardoned by the first President Bush in December 1992 while on trial. A New York Times profile of Clarridge published in January 2011 disclosed the contractual relationship Eclipse had with the Pentagon, through subcontractors, and reported further that Clarridge’s activities had included efforts to help find Bergdahl.
Clarridge told Fox News his group enjoyed a subcontract from U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, from November 2009 through May 31, 2010, and that after the contract was terminated, he invested some $50,000 of his own money to maintain the network of informants that had yielded such detailed accounts of Bergdahl’s status.
Clarridge further told Fox News that by the end of 2010, he had furnished at least 13 of these detailed SITREPs, or situation reports, that his network generated about Bergdahl to Brigadier General Robert P. Ashley Jr., who in April 2010 was named director of intelligence, at the J-2 level, at CENTCOM. Clarridge said Eclipse SITREP # 3023, dated Aug. 23, 2012 — in which a member of the Haqqani network, said to be close to Bergdahl’s captors, reported that the American prisoner had declared himself a “mujahid” — was among the reports provided to Ashley.
The latter is now commanding general at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, where a message left with the public affairs office was not immediately returned.
The documents obtained by Fox News show that Eclipse developed and transmitted numerous status reports on the whereabouts of the errant American soldier, spanning a period from October 2009, roughly three months after Bergdahl reportedly walked off his base in Afghanistan and fell into custody of the Haqqani network, up through August 2012.
At one point — in late June 2010, after Bergdahl succeeded in one of his escape attempts — the Haqqani commanders constructed a special metal cage for him, and confined him to it. At other points, however, Bergdahl was reported to be happily playing soccer with the Haqqani fighters, taking part in AK-47 target practice and being permitted to carry a firearm of his own, laughing frequently and proclaiming “Salaam,” the Arabic word for “peace.”
Reached by telephone, retired U.S. Marine Corps General James N. Mattis, a 45-year service veteran who served as CENTCOM commander from August 2010 to August 2012, told Fox News he may have received bits and pieces of the intelligence generated by Eclipse, but said Ashley, with whom he maintained a close working relationship, had not forwarded on to him the specific SITREPs cited by Fox News.
Mattis was also adamant that no one at CENTCOM or within the broader U.S. military or intelligence community — despite intensive investigation of such allegations — ever learned of anything to suggest Bergdahl had evolved into an active collaborator with the Haqqani network or the Taliban. “We were always looking for actionable intelligence,” Mattis said. “It wasn’t just the IC [intelligence community]. We had tactical units that were involved in the fight. We had SIGINT. Any collaborators who were on the other side and who came over to our side. We kept an eye on this. … There was never any evidence of collaboration.”
Fox News reported on Monday that Bergdahl was the subject of a “major classified file” prepared by the U.S. intelligence community, and that many members of that community harbored concerns that Bergdahl, during his period of captivity, may have engaged in collaboration with the enemy.
Experts consulted by Fox News said that SITREP # 3023 presents a picture of an American captive who, if not an active collaborator, may have succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome — the dynamic by which hostages can become enamored of their captors and join their cause — or simply feigned allegiance in order to survive. The report cited a source new to Eclipse — a member of the Haqqani network said to be close to Mullah Sangeen, the Haqqani commander charged at all points over the last five years with operational custody and control of Bergdahl — whose trustworthiness had not been fully vetted by the group. However, the report stated, the informant “does have plausible access to the information reported below, and claims to have seen Bergdahl personally in Shawal,” in North Waziristan.
“In the early stages Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s captivity,” the report states, “he was held at Palasin, Naurak, FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas], under the control of Mullah Sangeen and under the direct supervision of Haji Mursaleem, Sangeen’s father. Conditions and locality changed after Mursaleem died [in September 2010], and Bergdahl was kept under tight guard after his attempted escape from his new place of detention in Shawal.
“As of August 2012,” the report continues, “the person with responsibility for Bergdahl’s captivity is Sangeen’s brother, who has delegated the actual guarding of Bergdahl to Abubakr Asadkhel, a Burra Khel Wazir loyal to Sangeen, and whose sub-tribe lives in Shawal. Abubakr leads approximately 200 armed men from his tribe and operates from five bases (markaz) in Shawal. … Abubakr’s tribe is one of the prosperous branches of the Wazir and owns lots of trucks. Abubakr circulates his prisoner between schools in the area he controls, and his different insurgent bases.”
Conditions for Bergdahl have greatly relaxed since the time of the escape. Bergdahl has converted to Islam and now describes himself as a mujahid. Bergdahl enjoys a modicum of freedom, and engages in target practice with the local mujahedeen, firing AK47s. Bergdahl is even allowed to carry a loaded gun on occasion. Bergdahl plays soccer with his guards and bounds around the pitch like a mad man. He appears to be well and happy, and has a noticeable habit of laughing frequently and saying ‘Salaam’ repeatedly….
John C. Barile says
This, then, are the “further allegations forthcoming” I just heard about–the classified files will tell the tale.
Patriot says
Check this link out for more information on this horrible deal http://redmillennial.com/2014/06/05/jihad-sgt-bergdahl-converted-to-islam-called-himself-a-mujahid-according-to-secret-documents/
jihad3tracker says
This Bergdahl situation is almost certainly to be what brings Obama his overdue disgrace and justice.
No even media dhimmis or Leftist masters of misdirection can save his skin now.
We here at JW cannot take any true pleasure from the downfall because it comes at the cost of future military lives.
But at least this administration’s seditionists are sinking — and Hillary might be among them. May they all NOT rest in peace.
islamisdeath says
Nah he will just keep on truckin! The braindead left will just say this is a right wing subversive plot and a bunch of lies to derail the socialist train.
As for the islam thing “OMG you dont really think that could happen here do you?” (Quote from some leftys I know.)
obama is a traitor period.
lewonton says
you have it right, the Ozombies will eat anyboby alive that even think that Their superhero is Wrong…..
john van Vliet says
Remember the machine to protect Obama is already geared up, Conservatives are weasels and seem to have no guts or power, Obama does what he wants, then lots of talk no action , no justice !!!
bobm says
CNN bringing in super spin artists in Obama support.
John C. Barile says
Bergdahl–loner and dreamy nonconformist that he seems to be–must have been predisposed for Talibani Islamic indoctrination. There must be a failure of training and command to instill a solid grasp of the ideological dimension of present conflicts per Islam.
Champ says
Wow obama is a danger and a *disgrace*!!
Champ says
He’s a disgrace to the American people, and a danger to our national security. And it isn’t crazy to think that we have a closet muslim as commander in chief–no, not at all!
John C. Barile says
So he spent some time in North Waziristan, did he?
Oh, how I despise duplicitous Pakistan!
Jacksonl03 says
You really have to wonder how much of all this did Obama and his team of whoever that made the trade agreement know. I’ve always thought Obama was dumb. When he or his spokesman Carney speak I feel the intelligence leaving the area with a shriek. But even I have to question the depths of his ignorance and/or arrogance in thinking he could sell this crap or, indeed, that he would want to proceed under the circumstances.
On the other hand if he didn’t know what we appear to know now it simply amounts to, yet again, utter failure of his organization to keep up with current events.
wildjew says
“And I told him, ‘Well, you already know the Muslim piece of your background ,’” Wright continued. “‘ You studied Islam, didn’t you?’ And Barack said, ‘Yeah, Rev, I studied Islam. But help me understand Christianity, because I already know Islam.’
And I said, ‘Well, let’s start from the beginning. Who do you say Jesus is? Let’s boil it down to the basics.’”
“Did you convert Obama from Islam to Christianity?” I asked Wright. “That’s hard to tell,” Wright replied . “I think I convinced him that it was okay for him to make a choice in terms of who he believed Jesus is. And I told him it was really okay and not a put down of the Muslim part of his family or his Muslim friends.”
The Amateur by Edward Klein (p. 40)
“Barack Hussein Obama is NOT a Muslim. Oh no!” says the deluded left.
Wellington says
Bergdahl is the detail. Obama is the issue.
wildjew says
If Americans would open their eyes, they’d see the Bergdahl traitor is representative (symbolic) of Barack Obama.
Salah says
“There is only one way these people will ever, ever, ever be stopped. They must be forcefully, physically removed. This means war. This means hot counter-revolution. This means people are going to die on all sides. They will commit atrocities, because they are in the most literal sense, atrocious human beings.”
Read it all here:
http://www.barnhardt.biz/2014/06/03/why-im-considering-quitting/
onisac says
““There is only one way these people will ever, ever, ever be stopped. They must be forcefully, physically removed. This means war.”
I don’t think so. I believe that “if” we non-Muslims are completely honest, help apostates when ever possible so they are not murdered. More and more Muslims will become Christians or at least non-Muslims with goals of helping others than, killing others.
Over a period of time that will completely destroy jihadists.
Honesty is contagious, powerful, and righteous.
RG says
@ onisac. How’re those rose colored glasses workin’ for ya?
jewdog says
One commentator hypothesized that maybe Bergdahl was stressed, got PTSD and deserted. When I contemplate another 2+ years of 0bama, I can understand that, but I doubt I’ll become a Mujahid, or even a Democrat.
mortimer says
It’s Islamic Stockholm syndrome.
jewdog says
Or maybe Kabul-S**t Syndrome
mortimer says
New York Times headline !!!!
“BERGDAHL MISUNDERSTANDS ISLAM AS BETRAYAL AND DESTRUCTION OF US CONSTITUTION”
(…I’m kidding)
gravenimage says
Secret documents: Bergdahl converted to Islam, declared himself a “mujahid”
…………………………………….
If this is accurate—and it certainly appears to be—then this is the “smoking gun”.
More:
Experts consulted by Fox News said that SITREP # 3023 presents a picture of an American captive who, if not an active collaborator, may have succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome — the dynamic by which hostages can become enamored of their captors and join their cause — or simply feigned allegiance in order to survive.
…………………………………….
There are several problems with the “Stockholm Syndrome” scenario.
For one thing, those who fall victim to Stockholm Syndrome *are victims*, at least initially. But there are numerous repots that Bergdahl not only voluntarily left his post in the middle of the night—that seems well established at this point—but that this wasn’t simple AWOL, but that he was *deliberately seeking out the Taliban*.
And then, Bergdahl was *a soldier*—what might be at least somewhat understandable in a traumatized and brutalized civilian like Patty Hearst is not forgivable in the case of military personnel.
And it doesn’t sound as though he just converted to Islam—he *declared himself a Mujahid and was allowed to carry a weapon*.
When they were captured by Jihadists in Gaza, FOX journalists Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig did convert to Islam under threat—but they did not declare themselves “Mujahideen” or carry weapons.
Then there is the matter of Bob Bergdahl’s open conversion to Islam, sporting of a long, unkempt beard, and Tweets to the Taliban vowing to work to free the rest of the Guantanamo Jihadists.
Now, I have always believed firmly that no man is his family, and that they cannot be held responsible for their actions—I know that better than anyone. But the idea that Bowe Bergdahl and his father *independently* both converted to Islam and became friendly with the Taliban strains credulity.
For instance, Olaf Wiig’s ex-wife said that kidnappings in Gaza were “local entrepreneurial banditry”—i.e., they had nothing to do with Islam. Now, this is absurd—but it is also garden-variety pc/mc—she didn’t convert to Islam, start sporting a Burqa, and go around screaming “Allahu Akbar”, which is essentially what Bergdahl père is doing.
While captive, both read a statement lauding Islam and saying they had converted—but as soon as they were freed they made it clear that they “we were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint”. Of course, they threw in the usual “highest respect for Islam, blah blah blah”, but this was pretty pro forma.
Can we expect the same recanting from Bowe Bergdahl? I really doubt it—he seems to be pretty far down this path.
One more thing—Bergdahl’s hometown of Hailey, Idaho, has cancelled its “welcome home” celebration. They say it is because the tiny town won’t be able to handle the expected huge crowds, including protesters—but it sounds as though it actually has a lot more to do with the increasingly disturbing information coming out about Bergdahl himself.
“Why Bowe Bergdahl’s hometown canceled its celebration”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/06/05/why-bowe-bergdahls-hometown-canceled-its-celebration/?tid=pm_pop
Champ says
One more thing—Bergdahl’s hometown of Hailey, Idaho, has cancelled its “welcome home” celebration. They say it is because the tiny town won’t be able to handle the expected huge crowds, including protesters—but it sounds as though it actually has a lot more to do with the increasingly disturbing information coming out about Bergdahl himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, very interesting, Graven! …and thank you for providing that headline from WP.
Wellington says
Astute analysis as usual, gravenimage, though I often find myself preferring to think of so many of your posts, like this this, as “dissections.”
gravenimage says
Thanks, Champ and Wellington.
I feel rather badly for the folks of little Hailey, Idaho—I think they thought the story was welcoming back a home-town hero, and instead it turns out to be something a whole lot murkier.
Hope you both are well.
Ashley says
I’m starting to think there is more here than meets the eye.
wakingwest says
If Bergdahl expected to find the nearest Greyhound bus terminal in the Afghan hinterlands heading towards Canada, then certainly he can be classified as a “deserter”. But unless he had been delirious from smoking too much Afghan hashish, his intent and expectation of delivering himself to the Taliban is obvious. This fact makes it clear that his actions were treason and not desertion.
gravenimage says
*Very* important point, Waking west. It seems very unlikely that Bergdahl was simply AWOL.
Jerry says
Herewith proof of HBO leadership:
Herewith proof of HBO wisdom:
Herewith proof of HBO upholding and protecting the US constitution;
Herewith proof that HBO is a Christian:
Bronson says
Won’t apologize. Will never be held accountable either.
Tim Sweeney says
Apologize for what? He still thinks he is doing us a favor by being President. He is one delusional, narcissist, fecalist, Lord of the Flies.
Champ says
ahaha! …and I’ve seen countless photos, of obama, where *flies* won’t leave him alone. Such a strange phenomenon.
paddy mac says
The US definitely got a raw deal. One sub-human in exchange for five inhumans.
With all the supposed intelligence on this asshole. Why couldn’t the Government have just let everyone rot where they were?
Walter Sieruk says
This Bergdahl guy not only declared himself to be a mujahid but he also called himself to be a “warrior for Islam.” This think Obama, this incompetant head of the USA Armed forces and President ofthe United States actually let free five Islamic terrorisr chiefs who the State department called a “High risk” is America’s security for that traitor trash. these militant jihadist chiefs are now free to scheme more evil and be behind more murders. Obama should be impeached this this fiasco.
iggymom says
Doesn’t it concern anyone that the government once again points out another military “secret” organization?
Petey says
is there any information about a woman? did he convert for a woman or something??? it would have been 5 LOOOOONG years after all. Otherwise Im dumfounded as to why a man would be willing to sell his soul, especially to a shithole and to a bunch of the most backward people on the face of the earth? He was a sergeant in the Airborne he had to be educated?!
onisac says
“Bergdahl declared jihad in 2010, secret documents show,”
So Mr. Bergdakl would rather kill Christians, Jews, Hindu’s,
Buddhists, and all non-Muslims than go to Heaven?
That seems like a bad choice to me.