Prisoner exchanges are risky moves

I feel strongly that the arbitrary decision to exchange five terrorist leaders for one Cpl. Bowe Bergdahl, an unfortunate prisoner of war, was a mistake. Giving in to terrorists on the one issue encourages them to demand even more in future negotiations. Military strength and strong leadership is the only thing that these people respect, and it is a quality which some people are questioning of our leaders today.

Terrorists have no rules to follow and have no respect for those that do. Because they cannot defeat our military, they have to resort to guerrilla warfare and acts of terror to fight, and despite a huge rift among the Shiite and Sunni Muslims themselves, terrorists seems to continue to make progress in their objectives.

Five years of prison was a terrible ordeal for Bergdahl and his family, but we cannot negotiate and pay ransom to terrorists. Compare one soldier against the danger to our country now and in the future. Many of our troops accept the dangers and I think most would remember what we are fighting for. These five released terrorist leaders are dedicated to destroying our nation and our way of life.

Bad decisions by people in high places is a real and present danger. Whether or not the president had the authority to make this decision without congressional authority is another question. Our friends also are watching and wonder how reliable we are as allies.

Losing their respect makes it harder to negotiate and harder to get a fair settlement on future issues. I would expect more kidnappings and attacks to follow. Five leaders for one unfortunate soldier make good odds, and such bargains are hard to pass up. I feel for Bergdahl and his family, but this is war.

William McNutt

Des Plaines