The Afghan Taliban Friday issued a new video tape of a captured American soldier ridiculing the war in Afghanistan as “our next Vietnam,” a move the US military condemned as a cruel piece of Christmas Day propaganda. The parents of Idaho National Guard Private Bowe Bergdahl, who was taken prisoner in Afghanistan this summer and is the only known US soldier in captivity there, issued an appeal for his release and urged their son to “stay strong.” Bergdahl, whose identity was confirmed by his family, appears in a US military-style uniform, including a military helmet. He gives his name, hometown and other personal details before saying he is a prisoner of war of the Taliban. It is not clear when the video, the second of him released since his capture, was made. He goes on to attack US leaders for their treatment of Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan and warns that the US military is no match for the Taliban. “I'm afraid to tell you that this war has slipped from our fingers and it's just going to be our next Vietnam unless the American people stand up and stop all this nonsense,” he says. But a military spokesman said the statements should be considered coerced, and condemned the timing of its release. “This is a horrible act which exploits a young soldier, who was clearly compelled to read a prepared statement. It reflects nothing more than the violent, deceitful tactics of the Taliban insurgency,” said US Navy Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, director of communication, with NATO-led forces in Afghanistan. “To release this video on Christmas Day is an affront to the deeply-concerned family and friends of Bowe Bergdahl, demonstrating contempt for religious traditions ... We will continue our search for Bowe Bergdahl,” he said in a written statement.
