Obama To Close Guantanamo Bay And End Coercive Interrogations
This is the news the world needs to hear.
Executive orders are bring drafted that President Obama will soon sign which will start the process of closing down Guantanamo Bay. The act of defiance to both American and international law will no longer be tolerated under the new administration in Washington. Is it any wonder that so many today are feeling that the world has turned to a new page?
The revelation coincided with a judge’s decision on Wednesday to halt the September 11 terrorism cases at the behest of President Obama. On Tuesday, he directed Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ask prosecutors to seek stays for 120 days so terrorism cases at the facility can be reviewed, according to a military official close to the proceedings.
The officials say the White House is expected to call for:
• Closing the detention facility within a year.
• A systematic review of detention policies and procedures and a review of all individual cases.
• A policy requiring the Army field manual for interrogations to apply to all people in U.S. custody. This is aimed at closing any potential loophole that might allow the CIA to engage in what many say are coercive interrogations
It was not clear who would conduct the review, although the White House, the Defense Department and the Justice Department are expected to be deeply involved, the officials said.
I have a problem with rendition, and I am comfident that when the Gitmo matter is finalized this matter will have been addressed, and not allowed.
Let me be clear…and not sound like RN in the process…but Obama will not get a free pass just because he is a Democrat. I am allowing time for the new President to get his team up and running. And for the most part I am very pleased.
But just as I feel that there might now be a slow-down in the “don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy just 10 days into his term, I will not be swayed by words, but must see action in order not to post tough words his way. His press office had said yes to the change, but now there is a ‘study’ by the military, and if that happens there will be piss and vinegar in many blogs coast to coast.
But as to Gitmo I am pleased thus far, and await the time needed for completion. This is still a matter where the place is nothing more than a recruiting tool for those that wish us harm. The world knows that, and we need to again we a part of the global community.
To further illustrate the point, consider the latest executive orders regarding rendition–and the lack of commentary/ outrage on the left. Rendition–despite campaign promises–continues to be a useful policy tool. Yet is is now acceptable because it is being done by a democrat (the policy began with Clinton, by the way).
If Obama really had a problem with Gitmo, wouldn’t he really have a problem with rendition?
Look, I wish there was no need for a place like Gitmo, but clearly there is. One of the released terrorists just became the head of AlQaeda in Yemen. Ireland, speaking on behalf of other european countries, I imagine, said they would take no former Gitmo prisoner who had any taint of terrorism whatsoever. What state govenor would want these terrorists heal at a prison in his state? Do you imagine they will transfer them to Fort McCoy? Most of the foriegn nations where they came from will not take them back. Finally, these are terrorists, not lawful combatants who come from nations which have signed the conventions.
Obama’s orders state that should the need arise, Gitmo as well as the interrogation methods some have questioned came be re-employed. A year is a long time. Further, simply moving the “gitmo” to another foriegn location isn’t really changing “Gitmo.”
Obama is smart for ordering Gitmo closed because he gets the left off his back; he isn’t very “curious”, but he isnt stupid. He knows that the first terrorist he released who killed again would spell the end of his credibility. The story regarding Yemen points this out clearly.
You’ll also note that the new trial regulations they are considering are almost identical to the ones currently in use–Bush’s courts. By the way, the courts Bush has employed have been examined by the courts, you’ll remember most of them were set up in conjunction with the democratic congress.
Finally, and this is really a side comment, I’ve noticed a change in your writing style. Never before very recently have I noticed you calling Bush and the right “retards” or implying that they were children. I’ve enjoyed this blog because of the quality of its writing and the genuine civility to be found here in the comments. I’ll also admit that I can be sharky too, but I read this blog because I think it is the smartest lefty blog on wisconsin. Perhaps you get my drift? There is no sense in preaching to the choir. My mind isn’t totally closed.
Obama is smart on so many levels for ordering the closure of Guantanamo. It has been a long time coming
Guantanamo Bay is one of the reasons I voted for President Obama. I do not support his stance on other topics (such as abortion) but this issue is a huge thorn. As Ms. Palin often eluded to during her campaigning, the US is attempting to “spread democracy”. Well…spreading democracy doesn’t work when the Monkey see but Monkey don’t do idea is in effect. Holding people indefinately (some have already been found innocent and are still in custody) is very much against the Constitution and common sense. As the Obama quote at the top of the blog says, “As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.”
What bet would you like to place on this?
Gitmo will close.
There are adults in charge now that understand the destructive nature of this place, and the way it has been used to generate anger against US troops in various places around the globe.
I marvel at how little regard you have for the law or the Constitution…..and you claim to be a teacher.
Just tell me you do not teach history or civics.
PLEASE.
Seriously, you can’t be this blind to the effects of Gitmo or the lack of international law that exists there. I know you like rhetorical comments, but really…….
Don’t worry, Tom. Obama is nover going to close Gitmo. This is just the cue for all the lefties to stop talking about it. Think of how we suddenly stopped hearing about Iraq once we started winning.
Sure, Obama might let a few of the lesser terrorists go home; he might even move Gitmo to some other location–it just won’t be an issue anymore.
Obama certainly has no intention of sending some big-wig terrorist to Kansas or anywhere. No state would take them.
The wording of his own executive order–which an aid helped him with during the press conference–allow hims to start doing what even he feels is necessary.
Just go nicely to sleep. Obama knows Bush was right about this…and a lot more. He isn’t stupid (only conservatives like Bush are)
Well, if heaven forbid, there ever comes a time when the Islamofascists take over the country and we are under Sharia Law that they come to take you away to be executed for being an infidel, you can plead for your life by showing them a copy of the constitution and say, “Look we upheld your brother’s rights at Guantanamo”.
Maybe they will show you mercy.
Are you saying that the families of 9/11 do not understand the Constitution any more than you?
I’m sure the 9/11 families will be just ecstatic to hear about the closing….