First thing on the agenda...
The Internet (Abridged)
Clint Fullen
Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Opinion
Since early 2002, Americans have been told of land where dangerous men reside. It is a place where suffering and prejudice run wild and that continuously causes criticism to gravitate toward the United States. This place is Guantanamo Bay.
One of President-elect Barack Obama's first tasks should be to finally lock the gates to this establishment. Guantanamo Bay should be closed to send a message to the world that this is a new and more honorable nation.
The detention camp, affectionately known as Gitmo, has created a legacy clouded by secrecy, torture and destruction of human rights.
The Pentagon refuses to publish a list of the unknown prisoners. According to a New York Times article titled "Next president will face test on detainees," the only information the military office offers is that there are "about 255" people being held.
After secret imprisonment, many captives have detailed the cruel interrogation tactics being performed within the walls of Gitmo.
The New York Times reports that one detainee was subjected to sleep deprivation, isolation and being put on a leash and forced to perform dog tricks. Another detainee claimed to be mentally abused and "threatened to be raped."
These men are captured without trial. Allegations are often vague, and in some instances, a detainee's charges are even changed.
In President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, America's commander-in-chief flaunted the capture of six Algerians who were suspected of planning an attack against a U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. The Washington Post reports that these charges have been dropped, but the men are still being held.
In fact, Guantanamo Bay seems to be a place where almost no man can be released.
In its seven years of activity, only 18 men have been charged with war crimes, according to The New York Times.
The New York Times also reports that more than 60 captives have been cleared for release or transfer but remain at the detention camp because of "difficulties negotiating transfer agreements."
One of President-elect Barack Obama's first tasks should be to finally lock the gates to this establishment. Guantanamo Bay should be closed to send a message to the world that this is a new and more honorable nation.
The detention camp, affectionately known as Gitmo, has created a legacy clouded by secrecy, torture and destruction of human rights.
The Pentagon refuses to publish a list of the unknown prisoners. According to a New York Times article titled "Next president will face test on detainees," the only information the military office offers is that there are "about 255" people being held.
After secret imprisonment, many captives have detailed the cruel interrogation tactics being performed within the walls of Gitmo.
The New York Times reports that one detainee was subjected to sleep deprivation, isolation and being put on a leash and forced to perform dog tricks. Another detainee claimed to be mentally abused and "threatened to be raped."
These men are captured without trial. Allegations are often vague, and in some instances, a detainee's charges are even changed.
In President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, America's commander-in-chief flaunted the capture of six Algerians who were suspected of planning an attack against a U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. The Washington Post reports that these charges have been dropped, but the men are still being held.
In fact, Guantanamo Bay seems to be a place where almost no man can be released.
In its seven years of activity, only 18 men have been charged with war crimes, according to The New York Times.
The New York Times also reports that more than 60 captives have been cleared for release or transfer but remain at the detention camp because of "difficulties negotiating transfer agreements."
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