Captured Soldier’s Family Hopes For His Release

The family of the only U.S. soldier held by the Taliban is optimistic about a possible deal that would allow insurgents to open an office in Gulf nation of Qatar with the aim of holding talks with the United States.

Bowe Bergdahl, a 25-year-old Army sergeant from Hailey, Idaho, was taken prisoner June 30, 2009, in Afghanistan.

His parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, released a statement Wednesday through the Idaho National Guard expressing hope their son would be returned home safely as soon as possible.

The family says that "serious discussions among diplomats are the most likely way to make this happen."

The Taliban announced Tuesday that they had reached a preliminary understanding to open the representative office in Qatar, marking an unprecedented step toward peace negotiations.

Associated Press