Tag: war on terror

The Guantánamo Shell Game?

Human and rights advocates and members of the Republican Party found unusual common ground Monday. Both registered strong objections to the announcement that the Barack Obama administration would be transferring detainees from Guantánamo to a maximum security prison in Illinois. But their reasons were starkly different. The Weekly Standard, a conservative political publication and a … Continue reading “The Guantánamo Shell Game?”

‘New’ Military Courts Still Lack Basic Safeguards

While conservatives complain about Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other terror suspects from Guantánamo coming to New York for trial, many legal experts and human rights groups are being equally outspoken in their criticism of the "new and improved" military commissions designated to try five other detainees. And some are particularly incensed that Omar Khadr, … Continue reading “‘New’ Military Courts Still Lack Basic Safeguards”

Rendition Redux?

On the heels of a federal appeals court ruling that only the U.S. Congress and the executive branch of government — not the courts — can interfere with government-sponsored "extraordinary rendition," a U.S. citizen from New Jersey is asking another court to tell the government it wasn’t okay to secretly imprison and abuse him in … Continue reading “Rendition Redux?”

In Pakistan, Military vs Militancy Does Not Equal Peace

KARACHI — As militant attacks in Pakistan continue unabated, there are increasing calls for the government to rethink its strategy — and look deep within. What is happening in Pakistan today is an "unprecedented" situation and the government’s "lack of planning and imagination left it with no alternative," said I.A. Rehman, director of the Human … Continue reading “In Pakistan, Military vs Militancy Does Not Equal Peace”

No Sunset for Sweeping PATRIOT Act Powers?

The USA PATRIOT Act, rushed into law by a panicky U.S. Congress in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sep. 11, 2001, gave the government broad surveillance powers to spy on innocent citizens. But it also stipulated that three of its more controversial provisions should expire next month unless reapproved by lawmakers. And it … Continue reading “No Sunset for Sweeping PATRIOT Act Powers?”

Who Are the Six Uighurs Released From Guantánamo to Palau?

Over the weekend, six of the remaining 13 Uighurs in Guantánamo – Muslims from China’s Xinjiang province – were released to resume new lives in the tiny Pacific nation of Palau (population: 20,000). I have written at length about the plight of Guantánamo’s Uighurs, innocent men caught up in the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in … Continue reading “Who Are the Six Uighurs Released From Guantánamo to Palau?”