Easy to Find Middle Ground on Gitmo: Klein

Like Bush, Obama administration argues for indefinite detention

(NEWSER) - Detainees held at Guantanamo Bay and other military prisons may not be freed even if a US commission acquits them of all charges, an Obama administration official testified yesterday. The Defense Department rep told a Senate committee that detainees would be assessed on an individual basis and that prisoners might receive "some form of periodic review," reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

(NEWSER) - Standing in front of the Constitution, President Obama today delivered a watershed speech on terrorism, arguing that President Bush’s approach to war was, “quite simply, a mess.” He outlined his plan to clean up, saying he’ll try Guantanamo detainees in both federal court and military commissions and reiterating his intention to close the prison camp, MSNBC reports. Detainees who can’t be tried will be held indefinitely, within a “legitimate legal framework.” More»

Though charges are dropped, men are still held, may be retried

(NEWSER) - The war crimes tribunal at Guantanamo Bay has dropped charges against five suspects that the Pentagon has called al-Qaeda operatives, reports the Los Angeles Times. All of the men were fingered by Abu Zubaydah, a Saudi-born militant whom the Bush administration concedes was waterboarded. The charges were dismissed after one of the case's prosecutors stepped down, citing political intrusion and ethical shortcomings at the court. More»

Beneath surface lie fundamental questions about its fairness

(NEWSER) - The first trial taking place at Guantanamo Bay has the look and feel of a real American court proceeding, but that appearance is in many ways just an illusion, writes William Glaberson in the New York Times. Secret evidence remains sealed in red folders, much of what is presented was obtained under harsh interrogations, the public is banned, and reporters chafing under restrictions were once told, "This is not America." More»

Bin Laden driver faces first US war crimes tribunal since WWII

(NEWSER) - The trial of Osama bin Laden's former driver is set to begin at Guantanamo Bay today. Salim Hamdan, accused of transporting weapons, will be tried by the first military commission since the end of World War II, reports the Washington Post.The proceedings promise to be the first big test of the controversial military justice system introduced after the 9/11 attacks. More»