Are you saying, even, the prosecution of bush/cheney for establishing GITMO, would have remoting affected anything about Burgdhal's captivity ... other than the obvious "nothing to trade for" problem?

If anything, doesn't Burgdhal signal an impeding conclusion of GITMO?

that place. The trade of these prisoners for Burgdahl opens the door to returning them for similar swaps for the few other prisoners their. Of course, there are many caveats and reason why this might not be possible. The squawking from the likes of Bolton and North and a few others is a clear signal as to who this trade upsets the most. By making this trade all about the man rather than the fact that this war is winding down and there is a real issue about the continued existence beyond the end of the war leaves them casting about for reasons to keep it open and hope that a more friendly administration comes along.