5 reasons why the Bowe Bergdahl controversy may last

The controversy over the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl moves to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were surprised by the decision and plan to hold closed-door briefings for members next week in at least two committees -- the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence panels -- followed by public hearings.

Republicans reacted angrily to the announcement over the weekend, and even some key Democrats said they were surprised that theObama administration had secured the release of the prisoner of war by freeing five members of the Taliban from Guantanamo Bay.

Here's a quick look at five reasons why this controversy has the potential to last.

1. It involves negotiating with the Taliban and the release of senior Taliban leaders

A Quinnipiac poll taken in late June and early July last year found that 60 percent of respondents said the United States should not negotiate with terrorists because it encourages more terrorism.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and White House press secretary Jay Carney have characterized the swap of five Taliban leaders for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl as a prisoner exchange at the end of the armed conflict, but the U.S. is still struggling to convince the Taliban to begin hashing out a peace agreement and has yet to sign a security agreement with Afghanistan.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told the Washington Examiner that he's glad Bergdahl is home but he's worried about the danger the released Taliban officials pose.

"What we need to dwell on is that individuals who were judged as too great of risk to be released are now going to be out there as heroes — they are also wanted by the national criminal court," he said. "I'm glad Bergdahl is home but there is a distinct likelihood that these guys will return to the fight."

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