Background Bush got the drama police on his back because of the harsh interrogation techniques his administration used on Guantanamo Bay detainees. Obama said he would kill them off as a campaign promise. Liberal-leaning groups supported him. source
Background Bush got the drama police on his back because of the harsh interrogation techniques his administration used on Guantanamo Bay detainees. Obama said he would kill them off as a campaign promise. Liberal-leaning groups supported him.
What’s next? Today Obama announced that his administration would revive the tribunals – with significant changes. Harsh interrogation techniques wouldn’t be used, they’d be only used for the 13 Sept. 11 suspects in custody, but with more rigid legal protections in place. source
Background Bush got the drama police on his back because of the harsh interrogation techniques his administration used on Guantanamo Bay detainees. Obama said he would kill them off as a campaign promise. Liberal-leaning groups supported him.
What’s next? Today Obama announced that his administration would revive the tribunals – with significant changes. Harsh interrogation techniques wouldn’t be used, they’d be only used for the 13 Sept. 11 suspects in custody, but with more rigid legal protections in place.
But why? The likely root cause for the backtrack is the need for congressional support. Obama hopes to have legislation signed by the time a freeze on the cases expires. D.C. legislators like this just a wee bit more than Amnesty International. source
As we work toward developing a new policy to govern detainees, it is essential that we operate in a manner that strengthens our national security, is consistent with our values and is governed by law.
Attorney general Eric Holder • On the administration’s new policy of holding detainees, which differs heavily from the Bush administration. They plan to stop using the term “enemy combatants” and say that international law governs the detention of terrorism suspects – and it isn’t like Guantanamo Bay, which they plan to close. • source
He needs to restore justice for prisoners who were persecuted there during investigations. There were innocent people imprisoned there.
Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef • an ex-Taliban ambassador to Pakistan and former Guantanamo Bay prisoner, on Obama’s planned closing of the prison camp • source
