Bergdahl podcast: Delicate diplomacy almost failed to retrieve him

“Serial,” the popular podcast produced by the people behind “This American Life,” is focusing this season on Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the Hailey soldier held captive for five years after leaving his post in Afghanistan.

In turn, we’re examining Bergdahl’s story and the reporting by “Serial” in more depth. Here’s the seventh episode of “Speaking of Serial,” a joint effort of the Idaho Statesman and Boise State Public Radio:

This week, Our panelists share their views about “Serial’s” portrayal of the delicate diplomatic maneuvering going on behind the scenes to try and get Bowe Bergdahl released from the Taliban, and the characters leading the effort to end the Afghan war. We also talk with James Weirick, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and military lawyer who has worked on terrorism cases at Guantanamo Bay. Weirick’s a co-host of another podcast focusing on Serial Season 2, called “Task & Purpose Radio.”

Bergdahl walked away from his unit in Afghanistan in 2009, saying he wanted to draw attention to problems within the military. Captured soon after, he was held for five years by a group affiliated with the Taliban before he returned to the U.S. as part of a controversial prisoner swap in May 2014. Now, he faces a full military court-martial, charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Every other Wednesday on “Speaking of Serial,” reporters with the Idaho Statesman and Boise State Public Radio will discuss Bergdahl’s case, Serial’s reporting and what happens when an Idahoan becomes the center of international news.

“Serial” itself publishes a new episode on alternate Thursdays. You’ll find the latest one here.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 4:36 PM with the headline "Bergdahl podcast: Delicate diplomacy almost failed to retrieve him."