• 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

Posted by Ernie Smith • Permalink