Comments directed by Mr Bergdahl at his son during a press conference in Idaho after his return from Washington also prompted questions. “Most of all, I’m proud of how much you wanted to help the Afghan people. And what you were willing to do to go to that length.” Without elaboration, he added: “And I think you have succeeded.” In emails to his parents before he disappeared in 2009, Sgt Bergdahl indicated that he was considering desertion and denounced US operations in Afghanistan, writing in one: “The horror that is America is disgusting”.