HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — The mother of a U.S. prisoner of war says she's feeling "very optimistic" after his Taliban captors offered last week to exchange him for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's mother, Jani Bergdahl, spoke to about 2,000 people gathered Saturday in a central Idaho city park, 400 of whom arrived by motorcycle in leather and patches commemorating America's military missing in action. Bowe Bergdahl was taken prisoner in Afghanistan four years ago. His parents spoke for 15 minutes about hopes that their son's ordeal will soon come to a joyful close.

Bob Bergdahl, his father, urged those gathered to remember everyone, regardless of nationality, who had suffered during the 12-year conflict in Afghanistan. He addressed his son's captors in Pashto, the Afghan language he's learned since Bowe Bergdahl was taken captive.

 

 

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