How Far the US Went to Rescue Hostage Bowe Bergdahl | SpyCast

Description

In 2009, Bowe Bergdahl walked away from his Army post in eastern Afghanistan, only to be abducted and held hostage until 2014. He was captured by the Taliban and then handed to the Haqqani network, an aligned terrorist group. US officials said they kept Bergdahl locked in a metal cage in total darkness after he tried to escape. By 2012, the US government was turning to Tony Shaffer for help. The retired military intelligence officer had directed several special mission task forces that conducted black operations. Now, Tony was asked to create a track-two, non-official scheme to help secure Bergdahl's release. This was a ploy that pulled in Congress, backchannels in Pakistani intelligence, and British and American media outlets. TV Show Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/@verticalascentpost Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntlSpyMuseum Twitter: https://www.x.com/intlspymuseum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spymuseum The International Spy Museum® is an independent nonprofit organization. Generous support from viewers like you fuel our nonprofit mission and make our collection, exhibits, and educational programs like this possible. DONATE here: https://bit.ly/3NUqU9C This show is brought to you from Goat Rodeo, N2K Networks, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. This episode was produced by Flora Warshaw and the team at Goat Rodeo. At the International Spy Museum, Mike Mincey and Memphis Vaughan III are our video editors. Emily Rens is our graphic designer. Joshua Troemel runs our SPY social media. Amanda Ohlke is our Director of Adult Education and Mira Cohen is the Vice President of Programs. And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic, you can reach us by email at spycast@spymuseum.org. The Spy Museum does not endorse, approve, or support the opinions stated by guest speakers. Statements made by speakers do not represent the position or opinion of the International Spy Museum.