The decision was part of a pattern that has emerged in the closing chapter of the administration. In the last three months, at least 24 detainees have been declared improperly held by courts or a tribunal — or nearly 10 percent of the population at the detention camp in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where about 245 men remain Full Story »
Posted by Chris Finnie
This is a factual report concerning the release of several Guantanamo detainees by courts or tribunals on the basis that there has never been any credible evidence that they were enemy combatants. The overall article is weakened, however, by its one-sidedness. The general tenor is that Guantanamo is a "house of cards," which it may well be. However there is an allusion to an Obama statement that some of the detainees are too dangerous to release but no follow-up. I believe that when an article goes beyond the simple reporting of a fact, it owes us some perspective.
I believe that both the philosophy and creation of the Guantanamo prison are disasters. No one should be held without legal recourse and many, if not most, of the detainees should not have been held at all. Torture that has been conducted is immoral, unamerican and likely illegal. One sided "news" stories illustrating these points may have a place in rallying the believers; however, they are too easily dismissed by skeptics as biased.
Detailed account of Bush administration maneuverings to justify infinite detentions and violations of the Geneva Conventions, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights for detainees in Guantanamo Bay, through the abhorrent case of one Afghan man who had been working with the pro-American regional government after the fall of the Taliban.
These case provide undeniable evidence of criminal wrongdoing under the Bush administration. Once he takes the oath of office, the new President Obama has no legitimate choice BUT to pursue investigations and charges against those responsible. Any other action will establish a precedent that is contrary to the very foundations of America, and a denial of the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
An excellent article that should remove all doubt, even among ardent Bush administration supporters, that the imprisonment of innocent people was a regular occurance at Guantanimo.
Let's hope that Obama immediately closes this sorry chapter in American history and works to compensate those who were falsely imprisoned and tortured.
A shocking story that has received little attention in the U.S. press. I thank the Times and Mr. Glaberson for this informative piece that exposes a national disgrace. An excellent example of investigative journalism.
I found it particularly interesting that so much of this activity is so recent. Makes me wonder if the outgoing administration is trying to tidy up before this mess is exposed.
They say the truth will set you free, but with this eye-opening article, I guess only the previous Admin. know the real truth. How can you gain respect in the world when you lock up an innocent man for years and then, in a complete turn-around say " sorry, wrong man. Theirs probably a lot of other's in the same positive. A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD BOY!
Obama say's he is closing Gitmo, why it going to take a year or more is not an option. It needs to be done ASAP!
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