While the debate flares over the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a member of the young man’s family has been pulled by the right-wing media into this maelstrom.

Bob Bergdahl has become the target of Fox News Channel talking heads because he grew a beard while his son was being held captive by the Taliban. Fox News blowhards are saying now that he, um, “looks like a Muslim.”

Some of the talking heads are suggesting further that he holds “terrorist sympathies” toward the Taliban thugs who captured Sgt. Bergdahl five years ago.

I am happy to discuss whether Bowe Bergdahl left his post and was AWOL at the time of his capture. I also am willing to debate whether the United States gave up too much — those five high-ranking Taliban militants — in return for Bergdahl’s release.

Bob Bergdahl doesn’t deserve to be dragged through the media sausage grinder.

Sgt. Bergdahl’s parents are overjoyed their son is in friendly hands. Can’t they be allowed to rejoice in their son’s return from war?