Tuesday
Jan132009
Follow-up: Obama Hedging on Guantanamo Promise?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 13:20
Looks like Canuckistan, who is an optimist regarding the likely closure of the US prison at Guantanamo, and I --- much more cynical about the prospects --- can claim victory today.
The Obama camp, sending out the message through two advisors, has seized the headlines this morning: "Obama to Sign Order Next Week to Close Guantanamo Prison". So the President-elect is sticking to the plan of the high-profile measure to launch, in tone and substance, a different domestic and foreign policy from that of his predecessor.
The symbolism of the step should not be underestimated, but the issue then becomes implementation. The New York Times has the other half of the story: "Obama’s Plan to Close Prison at Guantánamo May Take Year".
It appears that the incoming Administration has agreed to suspend Guantanamo's discredited military commissions and has rejected the idea of indefinite detention in the US. It is unclear, however, what the suggested legal process will be. And that means that, if the Administration cannot persuade other countries to take the detainees --- which appears to be the immediate thrust of its efforts --- the limbo will continue. And, as long as it does, Guantanamo remains open, in reality if not in good intentions.
The Obama camp, sending out the message through two advisors, has seized the headlines this morning: "Obama to Sign Order Next Week to Close Guantanamo Prison". So the President-elect is sticking to the plan of the high-profile measure to launch, in tone and substance, a different domestic and foreign policy from that of his predecessor.
The symbolism of the step should not be underestimated, but the issue then becomes implementation. The New York Times has the other half of the story: "Obama’s Plan to Close Prison at Guantánamo May Take Year".
It appears that the incoming Administration has agreed to suspend Guantanamo's discredited military commissions and has rejected the idea of indefinite detention in the US. It is unclear, however, what the suggested legal process will be. And that means that, if the Administration cannot persuade other countries to take the detainees --- which appears to be the immediate thrust of its efforts --- the limbo will continue. And, as long as it does, Guantanamo remains open, in reality if not in good intentions.