he last officially known American POW is released. Over the weekend , U.S. Sergeant Bow Bergdal was replaced against five Taliban prisoners. The surprise deal was preceded by lengthy secret negotiations . They started three years ago and led to the release on Saturday of the American soldier. Washington is already hotly debated whether the U.S. is able to discuss your enemies such agreements , wrote in his analysis of The Wall Street Journal.

The absolute joy of release Bergdal after five years in captivity, the Taliban did not last long . Above all, American lawmakers rose loud howl. They complain that the agreement was concluded without the knowledge or consent of the U.S. Congress. Especially from the Republican camp on Sunday was heard accusations that this agreement now at risk are not at all U.S. troops abroad.

Agreement had to be kept secret , however , protect by representatives of the U.S. government . If it was leaked , the entire exchange would be jeopardized . Furthermore, the risk has been exposed to the safe return of captive American. " We had to get him out of there - mainly to save his life " , said on Sunday the U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel .

"We have not even talked to Beau ," said Bob Bergdal 's father released on Sunday in front of the leading national TV the United States. " There's a reason . Since Beau was missing for so long , it will be very difficult to return ." His son was flown to Germany on Sunday. It will be studied in a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl , Rhineland -Palatinate, where they were treated and Bulgarian military after the attack on the base in Kandahar . " This will be a long process ," said the father.

Sergeant Bergdal due to release his tireless struggle busy with his case negotiator . For three years diplomats have tried to bring the warring parties in Afghanistan to the negotiating table. This is clear from interviews with representatives of the U.S. Government , Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, some of whom were directly involved in the negotiations. Based on the conversations can be recreated course of events culminating in the exchange of prisoners over the weekend.

The purpose of reconciliation has not been specified in the discussion from the outset. However , the

exchange of Bergdal with five Afghan Taliban , which have been transmitted to the intermediary Qatar , nourishes hope in Washington that the U.S. and the Taliban could one day bring their positions closer .