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Obama Plans Indefinite Terror Detentions

Executive order echoes Bush approach, signals Gitmo impasse

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – In a move that echoes the Bush administration’s approach to terror suspects, the Obama White House has drafted an executive order that would allow for their indefinite detention, the Washington Post reports. The move is said to be motivated by growing concerns that President Obama won’t be able to strike a deal with Congress over closing the Guantanamo Bay prison camp.

The White House is also afraid it won’t be able to meet Obama’s January deadline for closing Guantanamo, the sources added. Though civil-liberties groups have protested mightily indefinite-detention policies, they “ have encouraged the administration, that if a prolonged detention system were to be sought, to do it through executive order,” one official said. Such a move could then be overwritten and supplanted by actual legislation.

President Barack Obama speaks during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel today.
President Barack Obama speaks during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel today.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama listens to German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a joint news conference today.
President Barack Obama listens to German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a joint news conference today.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama speaks during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel today.
President Barack Obama speaks during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
wwwonderer
Jun 29, 2009 5:24 AM CDT
Release them all the Dick Cheney's residence, so he can personally watch them and keep America safe.
QueenAlli
Jun 28, 2009 1:48 AM CDT
This is IF Congress doesn't play ball. Once again Congress is in the way. Instead of pissing on Obama all the time and accusing him of not being Change you can believe in - open your eyes and see that it is Congress we need to change. Vote for those who will push the Democrats Left while still maintaining the majority. The GOP is leaning farther right we do not want them to increase in power. Get more Lefties in Congress and Obama can do what he wants.
kokuaguy
Jun 27, 2009 6:03 AM CDT
I'm going by the anchower playbook in this instance. Nobody gets away with abusing Fondude that way. Especially a no-nothing nubie.
 

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