Bowe Bergdahl Physically Well Enough to Return, 'Not Ready Psychologically'

NBC News reports that U.S. officials have stated that Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was examined at the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, after his release from the Taliban, is in decent physical shape. He has no permanent physical injuries from his confinement by the Taliban.

Officials said Bergdahl is in “good enough physical condition to allow him to return to the United States,” but he is “not ready psychologically or emotionally” to do so. Bergdahl has not called his family in Idaho, although he is free to at any time.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Defense claimed that Bergdahl “was clearly treated more harshly at some times” but would not certify that Bergdahl had been tortured by being “locked in a small cage,” as some reports have claimed. Instead, the officials said that after an alleged escape attempt, “Bergdahl was locked up… his movements restricted.” They said, “It’s not clear whether it was a small cell or a box, but he was apparently closely confined.”

Bergdahl’s release was traded by the Taliban to the Obama administration for the release of five terrorists held in Guantanamo Bay, a decision that has triggered widespread criticism. Bergdahl has been accused of desertion by military members and civilians.