Obama Gives Up On Resettling Detainees in US

Plans abandoned after Uighur deals, congressional opposition

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2009 6:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – The administration has largely abandoned plans to allow Guantanano detainees cleared for release to settle in the US, the Washington Post reports. Plans to allow Uighur detainees who said their only enemy was the Chinese government to live in the US met firm opposition from Congress. Four Uighurs were sent to Bermuda yesterday, and Palau has agreed to take the 13 who remain.

It is possible that "a few" of the dozens of non-Uighur detainees cleared for release may be considered for release in the the US, said an administration insider. But any attempt to do so would likely meet even stronger opposition from Congress. Analysts warn, however, that European countries being eyed for resettlement will close their doors if it becomes apparent that the US is unwilling to take any detainees.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Chinese Uighur detainees, who at the time were cleared for release but had no country to go to, show a home-made note to visiting members of the media at Guantanamo Bay earlier this month. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, Pool, File)

Ilshat Hassan, 47, an Uighur, sits by an Uighur flag in his apartment in Arlington, Va. Hassan has urged the government to release Uighur detainees into the community. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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Once it becomes clear no detainees will be settled in the US, potentially you could hear doors slamming all
over Europe.
- Sarah Mendelson, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and
International Studies

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

ClingingToHope

Jun 12, 2009 12:40 PM CDT

logothete? http://exposingliberallies.blo...

ClingingToHope

Jun 12, 2009 12:38 PM CDT

Nobama still doesn't have a plan. He has no plan. We are doomed.

ABO_2012

Jun 12, 2009 11:34 AM CDT

How about this? Chairman Barry made pandering campaign promises without a plan or full knowledge of the facts. The detainees at Gitmo have a better living environment than regular US criminals. Leave Gitmo open.

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Obama Gives Up On Resettling Detainees in US