Obama Defends Taliban Exchange For U.S. Soldier

U.S. President Barack Obama has defended the decision to exchange five Taliban prisoners for a U.S. soldier who had been held captive in Afghanistan for nearly five years.

Speaking on a visit to Poland, Obama said he had consulted with members of the U.S. Congress about the possibility of an exchange to free Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl.

Bergdahl was released on May 31 in exchange for the release of five Taliban figures who were being held at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo.

Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized the trade, saying the Taliban who were released could threaten U.S. security.

Obama said he was confident the United States is in a position to go after the released Taliban members if they again pose a threat.

Obama also said Bergdahl, who is at a U.S. military facility in Germany, has not yet met with his parents.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP