Obama's Gitmo Task Force Blows Its Deadline

[sabra]

Source: Newsweek

Exclusive: why a key report on closing the facility has been delayed until the fall.

By Michael Isikoff | Newsweek Web Exclusive


An Obama administration task force set up to develop a plan for the closure of the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay will miss its first deadline this week—and put off a key report until the fall—amid continued divisions over how to resolve one of the president's thorniest policy dilemmas.

The task force, set up on Obama's second day in office, was charged with preparing a report to the president by Tuesday, July 21 outlining a long term detention plan for detainees captured in counter terrorism operations after Sept. 11. But continued debate within the task force over the legal basis for holding detainees who are not charged with any crimes—and where to house them once they are moved from Guantanamo—has forced the task force to postpone its report by a "few months," a senior administration official told Newsweek.

A separate task force report on interrogations—also due this week—is being put off as well, said the official, who, like others quoted in this article, asked not to be named talking about private deliberations.
Click here to find out more!

The postponement of the two reports is sure to raise fresh questions about whether Obama will be able to shut down Guantanamo by next January as he pledged immediately after taking office. While publicly saying they remain committed to next January's deadline, officials privately acknowledge that a host of political and diplomatic problems—including the reluctance of foreign countries to accept detainees and fierce opposition from members of Congress to moving them to the United States—has made closing the facility far more daunting than they had anticipated.

...

But the officials say that, as much as the concept of indefinite detention is distasteful to the president and his legal advisors, there is simply no alternative for dealing with potentially dozens of detainees whom the administration doesn't want to release because they are thought to be too dangerous, but can't bring to trial for lack of evidence.

Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/id/207596

[ixion]

1. change!

maybe later. :eyes:

[dolphindance]

9. Yeah. Maybe he shouldn't even try to close Gitmo then. That's the better option.

[ixion]

11. yeah, so we can continue committing atrocities there

and holding innocent people against their will. Brilliant! :eyes:

[Solly Mack]

2. K&R

[AnOhioan]

3. I like Obama but I am not a cheerleader

In this case, I think we can cut him a break.

"officials privately acknowledge that a host of political and diplomatic problems—including the reluctance of foreign countries to accept detainees and fierce opposition from members of Congress to moving them to the United States—has made closing the facility far more daunting than they had anticipated."

He has to work with Congress folks. He cannot pretend they don't exist.

And also, NPR discussed this issue today, according to their report the creation of the task force allowed for delay "if the Chairman saw a need".

This is not reason to come down on Obama, there are other reasons for which I have, but this ain't one of em.

[Zhade]

6. Are you serious? You're willing to give him a break on violating basic human rights?

NT!

[Piewhacket]

4. A question: Were they dangerous BEFORE we imprisoned and tortured them?

Eveybody is dangerous.

Bush was and is an extremely dangerous lunatic,
who is directly responsible for unprovoked war and unjustified murder of nearly
a million people. He's the one who has DEMONSTRATED his dangerousness and
murderous character and should be locked up. Let's lock him up.

And Cheney should have a stake driven through his "heart" and be
chained to his coffin for "life". Don't get me started. hey.

So why are these Gitmo prisoners so dangerous? Because they were tortured?
What can they do???

Tell about what happened to them?
Ahhhh,,, ohhhhh, epiphany. THAT kind of dangerous.

[Zhade]

5. How the FUCK is this a debate? IF THEY'RE NOT GUILTY, IT'S ILLEGAL TO HOLD THEM!

NT!

[Mari333]

7. +100

BINGO

[dolphindance]

8. Yeah, why don't you come let them live with you then.

Since you're so convinced of their purity and innocence.

[Amonester]

10. -1000

For your stupid reply.

(trolling)

[ixion]

12. ya know, if some other country scooped you up one day

and hauled you to a little island in another country and tortured you, you might feel differently.

[dipsydoodle]

13. US terror policy report delayed

Source: BBC News

A key report on the detention of terrorism suspects ordered by US President Barack Obama will be delayed by six months, officials have said.

Mr Obama commissioned the report as part of his efforts to close the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay by the beginning of next year.

Analysts say this delay raises doubts about his ability to meet the deadline.

Officials attributed it to the need to ensure the review was comprehensive and to consult thoroughly with Congress.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8160297.stm

[Soylent Brice]

14. "Analysts say this delay raises doubts about his ability to meet the deadline."

this reminds me of that car analogy someone posted here a while back about how republicans on a road trip will drive the car into the ground, never stop to check the tires, or any kind of proper maintenance, etc. they just put the pedal to the floor and say weeee, as they toss their fast food bags out the window. then you have democrats who will methodically stop at every gas station, check the tires, clean the windows, bring packed healthy meals, and obey the spped limit.

basically the car breaks down with the rethugs driving, sure they got far quickly but now their screwed, whereas the dems take much longer but they get their with the car intact and everybody is in good shape, yet the repubs are bitching because they weren't speeding or having enough fun etc.

[thincaboutit]

15. What's next for Gitmo?

Find out at http://gitmotourism.blogspot.com