Colin Powell says closing Guantanamo Bay 'in best interest' of the US
9 years, 1 month ago

Colin Powell says closing Guantanamo Bay 'in best interest' of the US

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Colin Powell, former secretary of state under George W. Bush, has sided with President Barack Obama and called for the U.S. to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. The retired four star general said it would make more sense to transfer the remaining detainees to a facility in the U.S., as Mr. Obama proposed earlier this week. It would send roughly 35 of the remaining 91 prisoners to other countries and would bring as many as 60 to a yet-to-be-built maximum security prison somewhere in the U.S. "I am very clear-eyed about the hurdles to finally closing Guantanamo, the politics of this are tough," Mr. Obama said about the proposal he sent to Congress. On Wednesday, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said Republicans would block any attempt by the president to close Guantanamo.

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History of this topic

Trump to open detention centre in Guantanamo Bay for 'worst criminal aliens'
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Trump to open detention centre in Guantanamo Bay for 'worst criminal aliens'

India Today  

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Laken Riley Act into law, giving federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants in the US illegally who have been accused of crimes. “Guantanamo Bay’s abusive history speaks for itself and in no uncertain terms will put people’s physical and mental health in jeopardy,” Stacy Suh, program director of Detention Watch Network, said …

"Tough place to get out of": Trump announces plans to hold detained immigrants at Guantanamo Bay
1 month, 4 weeks ago

"Tough place to get out of": Trump announces plans to hold detained immigrants at Guantanamo Bay

Salon  

Donald Trump stepped up his assault on migrants on Wednesday evening, announcing plans to hold detained immigrants at the notorious military prison at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Expecting a glut of immigrants in detention, Trump signed a memo ordering the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to prepare the prison to hold 30,000 additional detainees. Cuban President …

Biden's Guantánamo legacy 'one step forward, several steps backwards'
2 months, 1 week ago

Biden's Guantánamo legacy 'one step forward, several steps backwards'

NPR  

Biden's Guantánamo legacy 'one step forward, several steps backwards' toggle caption Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Like Barack Obama before him, Joe Biden vowed to try to shut down the U.S. military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. When Biden first came into office, "there was a sense of aggressive movement" on working to shutter the prison and resolve its remaining legal cases, …

Biden administration quietly steps up effort to close Guantanamo
2 years, 6 months ago

Biden administration quietly steps up effort to close Guantanamo

Live Mint  

WASHINGTON : The Biden administration is revamping its effort to close the Guantanamo Bay prison, for the first time appointing a senior diplomat to oversee detainee transfers and signaling it won’t interfere with plea negotiations that could resolve the long-stalled prosecution of alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four co-defendants. Congress responded to the Obama administration’s effort to close …

Biden Administration Ramping up Efforts to Close Guantanamo Bay Prison: Report
2 years, 6 months ago

Biden Administration Ramping up Efforts to Close Guantanamo Bay Prison: Report

News 18  

The Biden administration is taking steps to close US’ Guantanamo Bay prison, the Wall Street Journal said in a report. The administration may not interfere with plea negotiations that could resolve the long-stalled prosecution of alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four co-defendants, the WSJ said in the report. However, the decision to close down the detention facility could …

Biden’s low profile on Guantanamo rankles as prison turns 20
3 years, 2 months ago

Biden’s low profile on Guantanamo rankles as prison turns 20

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Advocates for closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center were optimistic when President Joe Biden took office. That has led to increased skepticism about Biden’s approach as the administration completes its first year and the detention center reaches a milestone Tuesday — the 20th anniversary of the first prisoners’ arrival. “President Biden has stated his intention to close Guantanamo …

Why is Guantanamo Bay prison still open 20 years after 9/11?
3 years, 6 months ago

Why is Guantanamo Bay prison still open 20 years after 9/11?

Al Jazeera  

The fate of 39 detainees who are still being held rests with US President Joe Biden, who has pledged to close the prison. In the nearly 20 years since, the notorious military prison at Guantanamo has become a symbol of US human rights abuses. “The fact that the prison remains open 20 years later is because of US partisan politics …

In step to shut Guantanamo, Biden transfers Moroccan home
3 years, 8 months ago

In step to shut Guantanamo, Biden transfers Moroccan home

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration took a step toward its goal of shutting down the Guantánamo Bay detention center for terror suspects Monday, releasing into the custody of his home country a Moroccan who’d been held without charge almost since the U.S. opened the facility 19 years ago. Nasser’s attorney in Morocco, Khalil Idrissi, said the years Nasser spent in …

High court to hear Guantanamo prisoner’s state secrets case
3 years, 11 months ago

High court to hear Guantanamo prisoner’s state secrets case

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will decide whether a Palestinian man captured in the wake of 9/11 and detained at the prison on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay can get access to information the government classifies as state secrets. Zubaydah and his lawyer want to question two former CIA contractors about the operation of a secret CIA facility in …

US Supreme Court to hear Palestinian Guantanamo prisoner’s case
3 years, 11 months ago

US Supreme Court to hear Palestinian Guantanamo prisoner’s case

Al Jazeera  

Abu Zubaydah wants to question two former CIA contractors who allegedly tortured him in Poland. Zubaydah and his lawyer want to question two former CIA contractors, James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen, about the operation of a secret CIA facility in Poland where they say Zubaydah was held and tortured. A Supreme Court document details how Zubaydah was held in various …

Biden will try to close Guantanamo after ‘robust’ review
4 years, 1 month ago

Biden will try to close Guantanamo after ‘robust’ review

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will seek to close the prison on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay following a review process, resuming a project begun under the Obama administration, the White House said Friday. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said it was the “intention” of the Biden administration to close the detention facility, something President Barack Obama pledged …

White House weighs shutdown of Guantanamo prison
4 years, 1 month ago

White House weighs shutdown of Guantanamo prison

Al Jazeera  

The offshore jail symbolises the excesses of the US ‘war on terror’ because of harsh interrogation methods and torture. The Biden administration has launched a formal review of the future of the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, reviving the Obama-era goal of closing the notorious facility, a White House official said on Friday. Aides involved in internal …

Guantanamo: Biden administration says it intends to close prison
4 years, 1 month ago

Guantanamo: Biden administration says it intends to close prison

CNN  

CNN — The Biden administration intends to close the Guantánamo Bay detention facility, which houses approximately 40 prisoners, by the end of their term. When asked by a reporter during a press briefing on Friday if the prison would be closed by the time President Joe Biden leaves office, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “That’s certainly our goal …

Biden will try to close Guantanamo prison after ‘robust’ review
4 years, 1 month ago

Biden will try to close Guantanamo prison after ‘robust’ review

LA Times  

In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, the Office of Military Commissions building used for Periodic Review Board hearings is seen on April 18, 2019, at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. President Biden will seek to close the prison on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay following a review process, resuming a project begun under the …

US military announces trial for trio detained at Guantanamo Bay suspected of Indonesia terror attacks
4 years, 2 months ago

US military announces trial for trio detained at Guantanamo Bay suspected of Indonesia terror attacks

ABC  

After an unexplained delay, the US Department of Defense has announced plans to move ahead with a military trial for three men held at a base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who are suspected of involvement in deadly bombings in Indonesia in 2002 and 2003. Key points: Charges have been brought against alleged Bali bombing mastermind Hambali and two Malaysian men …

Will Joe Biden close Guantanamo Bay?
4 years, 2 months ago

Will Joe Biden close Guantanamo Bay?

Al Jazeera  

US president-elect once promised to shut down the camp and now he is under pressure to deliver. It has been 19 years since the United States opened the military detention centre at Guantanamo Bay. Amnesty International is now urging President-elect Joe Biden to fulfil a promise he made 10 years ago to close it down. Amnesty’s 62-page report says the …

Donald Trump's Guantanamo
7 years, 1 month ago

Donald Trump's Guantanamo

ABC  

When Donald Trump announced to the world he was keeping the Guantanamo Bay detention centre open, some of the inmates watched it live on the television sets in their cell blocks. "The detainees as a whole are happy to see things in the news about Guantanamo," Colonel Stephen E Gabvacis, commander of the Joint Detention Group, says. "They don't care …

Trump order to keep Guantanamo open ‘sheer stupidity’
7 years, 1 month ago

Trump order to keep Guantanamo open ‘sheer stupidity’

Al Jazeera  

Donald Trump’s decision to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open means dozens of detainees will stay behind bars, lawyer says. “Donald Trump’s a moron if he thinks Guantanamo should remain open because it keeps us more safe or improves our standing in the world,” said Wells Dixon, a staff lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Justice, a US-based legal advocacy group. …

The Prison at Guantanamo Bay Was Going to Stay Open Whether Trump Demanded It or Not
7 years, 1 month ago

The Prison at Guantanamo Bay Was Going to Stay Open Whether Trump Demanded It or Not

Slate  

In his State of the Union address, President Trump announced that he had “just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to re-examine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay.” This could mean a lot, or absolutely nothing. The executive order signed on Tuesday rescinds Obama’s order closing the base and states that the …

Trump signs order to keep Guantanamo military prison open
7 years, 1 month ago

Trump signs order to keep Guantanamo military prison open

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a new executive order to keep open the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, marking a formal reversal of his predecessor’s eight-year effort to shut it down. They are unlawful enemy combatants.” “In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds and hundreds of dangerous terrorists only to meet them again on the …

Judge pushes U.S. to explain why it’s holding an American citizen in secret in Iraq
7 years, 3 months ago

Judge pushes U.S. to explain why it’s holding an American citizen in secret in Iraq

LA Times  

A member of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces walks inside a prison in Raqqa, Syria. In a case that defense lawyers warned could create a “constitutional black hole,” a federal judge expressed exasperation Thursday at the U.S. government’s secret detention of an American citizen in Iraq for more than two months. “This is the nightmare scenario, where the government has …

Guantanamo Bay: Trump administration officials signal intent to refill Cuban prison with 'bad dudes'
7 years, 8 months ago

Guantanamo Bay: Trump administration officials signal intent to refill Cuban prison with 'bad dudes'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Plans appear to be under …

Obama: History Will Judge Us For Not Closing Guantanamo
8 years, 2 months ago

Obama: History Will Judge Us For Not Closing Guantanamo

Huff Post  

For 15 years, the United States has detained hundreds of people at the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, a facility that never should have been opened in the first place. Rather than keeping us safer, the detention facility at Guantanamo undermines American national security. Under this rigorous process, we have transferred 196 detainees from Guantanamo with arrangements designed to keep …

Obama v Trump on Guantanamo and torture
8 years, 3 months ago

Obama v Trump on Guantanamo and torture

Al Jazeera  

Andy Worthington is a freelance investigative journalist. With a month to go before the end of the Obama presidency, it is troubling that Guantanamo remains open - but although we must worry what Trump has planned, it must also be acknowledged that Obama should have closed the prison as he promised by That November, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that …

Obama v Trump on Guantanamo and torture
8 years, 3 months ago

Obama v Trump on Guantanamo and torture

Al Jazeera  

Andy Worthington is a freelance investigative journalist. With a month to go before the end of the Obama presidency, it is troubling that Guantanamo remains open - but although we must worry what Trump has planned, it must also be acknowledged that Obama should have closed the prison as he promised by That November, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that …

Never mind closing Guantanamo, Trump might make it bigger
8 years, 4 months ago

Never mind closing Guantanamo, Trump might make it bigger

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Never mind closing Guantanamo. We’re gonna load it up.” He told The Miami Herald in an interview that month that he would support trying U.S. citizens accused of terrorism at the base, though that would require Congress to change federal law and would likely face constitutional challenges. “He knows what’s at stake and he knows he can’t leave …

Trump Has Vowed To Fill Guantanamo With 'Some Bad Dudes' — But Who?
8 years, 4 months ago

Trump Has Vowed To Fill Guantanamo With 'Some Bad Dudes' — But Who?

NPR  

Trump Has Vowed To Fill Guantanamo With 'Some Bad Dudes' — But Who? Because the U.S. is not fighting ground wars and taking prisoners like it once did, Wittes wonders just how Trump expects to load up Guantanamo with "bad dudes." One online video counting down the days Obama has left features a new anthem with the refrain "Close Guantanamo, …

Two more militants released from Guantanamo Bay return to conflict
8 years, 6 months ago

Two more militants released from Guantanamo Bay return to conflict

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two former inmates at …

Guantanamo Bay: Why has Obama failed on his promise to close controversial detention camp?
8 years, 7 months ago

Guantanamo Bay: Why has Obama failed on his promise to close controversial detention camp?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. While this week has seen the single biggest …

Paul Ryan promises to block Obama's plan to close Guantanamo Bay
9 years, 1 month ago

Paul Ryan promises to block Obama's plan to close Guantanamo Bay

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Republicans have promised to …

Obama readies for showdown on Guantanamo closure
9 years, 1 month ago

Obama readies for showdown on Guantanamo closure

Al Jazeera  

President Obama is placing his pieces for his endgame with Congress over closing the controversial detention centre. Ian Moss, from the US State Department’s Office of the Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure, said diplomats are working hard to “identify responsible opportunities” for transferring those who have been approved for relocation. “The administration continues to work diligently on completing the plan …

Guantanamo Bay closure plans criticised by US conservatives, former lawyer for David Hicks
9 years, 1 month ago

Guantanamo Bay closure plans criticised by US conservatives, former lawyer for David Hicks

ABC  

The release of the Obama administration's plan to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention centre has been met with criticism from US conservatives and a lawyer for former Australian detainee David Hicks. "I am very sorry to say I don't think the President is going to succeed in closing by end of administration," said former Hicks lawyer Wells Dixon, whose …

Guantanamo Bay: President Barack Obama unveils roadmap to close controversial US military prison
9 years, 1 month ago

Guantanamo Bay: President Barack Obama unveils roadmap to close controversial US military prison

ABC  

US President Barack Obama has presented a long-awaited roadmap to close the controversial military prison at Guantanamo Bay, saying it is time to close a facility that has betrayed US interests and values. Key points: Obama's plan involves deporting, relocating detainees Rights groups say it sets dangerous precedent in justice system 91 prisoners remain in Guantanamo Bay prison With less …

Obama to release long-awaited plan to close Guantanamo prison
9 years, 1 month ago

Obama to release long-awaited plan to close Guantanamo prison

Live Mint  

Washington: The Obama administration aims to send Congress its long-awaited plan for closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay by Tuesday, to meet a deadline imposed by lawmakers after months of delay. The White House downplayed the prospects for implementing the plan even before its release, expressing little confidence that lawmakers would agree to transfer dozens of suspected terrorists from the …

Obama must fulfill his Gitmo pledge: Eight years is far too long to make campaign promise of closing prison a reality
9 years, 1 month ago

Obama must fulfill his Gitmo pledge: Eight years is far too long to make campaign promise of closing prison a reality

Salon  

"We're going to close Guantánamo. She explains that Obama "is fully within his executive authority to close Guantánamo without going through Congress, because of that very same power that George W. Bush used to open" it. The president has proffered no public protestations about approving the weekly "Kill List" — known euphemistically as the disposition matrix — and ordering the …

Hurdles ahead as Obama bids to shut Guantanamo prison
9 years, 1 month ago

Hurdles ahead as Obama bids to shut Guantanamo prison

Al Jazeera  

The US president acknowledges tough task but says he is committed to closing detention facility despite opposition. ‘A new ZIP code’ Before Obama’s plan was even public, Republican US Senators Pat Roberts of Kansas, Tim Scott of South Carolina and Cory Gardner of Colorado voiced opposition to any notion that prisoners would be sent to the mainland US – “regardless …

Guantanamo Bay closure: Obama sends plan to Congress
9 years, 1 month ago

Guantanamo Bay closure: Obama sends plan to Congress

Al Jazeera  

US president says closing the military prison will protect national security, but opponents declare plan a non-starter. US President Barack Obama has proposed to “once and for all” close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay and transfer remaining detainees to a facility in the US – though his plan did not specify where. US officials have previously said the plan …

What to expect from Obama’s plan to close Guantanamo
9 years, 2 months ago

What to expect from Obama’s plan to close Guantanamo

Al Jazeera  

We are starting to hear leaks about the US President Barack Obama’s latest effort to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. ‘Recruiting tool for terrorists’ The president will make the argument that the prison serves as a recruiting tool for organisations the US labels as “terrorist organisations”. He said: “There’s a certain other group of individuals who are not …

Why Obama has not closed Guantanamo
9 years, 2 months ago

Why Obama has not closed Guantanamo

Al Jazeera  

Two days after he was sworn in as president, Obama signed an executive order for a review of the cases of all detainees. The US administration has not explained how they would get around US law – something it has been able to do in Guantanamo Bay. ecretary of defense to personally certify to Congress that a released detainee “cannot …

President Obama Is Preparing A Plan To Close Guantanamo Bay
9 years, 2 months ago

President Obama Is Preparing A Plan To Close Guantanamo Bay

Huff Post  

WASHINGTON, Jan 10 - President Barack Obama will make good on a promise to close the U.S. naval prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, his chief of staff Denis McDonough said on "Fox News Sunday." Obama will first present a long-awaited plan to Congress about how to close the facility, and seek its approval, McDonough said in an interview. Obama pledged …

Barack Obama 'feels obligated' to make good on Guantanamo pledge
9 years, 2 months ago

Barack Obama 'feels obligated' to make good on Guantanamo pledge

Daily Mail  

President Barack Obama will make good on a promise to close the U.S. naval prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, his chief of staff Denis McDonough said on 'Fox News Sunday.' Obama will first present a long-awaited plan to Congress about how to close the facility, and seek its approval, McDonough said in an interview. Scroll down for video White House …

Obama’s limited options for closing Guantanamo prison
9 years, 4 months ago

Obama’s limited options for closing Guantanamo prison

Al Jazeera  

The White House is signaling that any day now it will release a new plan for closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Thursday not to expect any major plot twists when its long awaited review is released. Congress Obama could present a plan for closing the prison by releasing the prisoners …

Supporters Urge Obama To Take Executive Action To Close Guantanamo
9 years, 4 months ago

Supporters Urge Obama To Take Executive Action To Close Guantanamo

NPR  

Supporters Urge Obama To Take Executive Action To Close Guantanamo President Obama is expected to send Congress a plan soon for how to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. DAVID WELNA, BYLINE: Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell taunted President Obama yesterday just before the Senate overwhelmingly passed yet another bill blocking the commander in chief from moving Guantanamo detainees …

Obama to launch new effort to close Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba
9 years, 4 months ago

Obama to launch new effort to close Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba

LA Times  

President Obama plans to a lay out a proposal to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, above, as early as this week, aides say. “But if Congress continues to refuse, I wouldn’t rule out the president using every element of his authority to make progress.” Obama has shown a willingness to act where Congress has been gridlocked. Though their …

Pentagon is on the hunt in U.S. for Guantanamo replacement
9 years, 7 months ago

Pentagon is on the hunt in U.S. for Guantanamo replacement

LA Times  

The Pentagon is sending evaluation teams to assess several military and federal prisons as possible replacements for the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but Congress appears determined to prevent President Obama from closing the controversial facility for suspected terrorists before he leaves office. NEWSLETTER: Get the day’s top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Pentagon officials said the …

Guantanamo Bay closure: White House says plans to close detention camp are in final stages
9 years, 8 months ago

Guantanamo Bay closure: White House says plans to close detention camp are in final stages

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The White House has …

White House says drafting plan to close Guantanamo Bay prison
9 years, 8 months ago

White House says drafting plan to close Guantanamo Bay prison

Live Mint  

Washington: The White House said on Wednesday it was in the final stages of drafting a plan to close the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the widely criticized detention centre for foreign terrorism suspects. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the administration hoped to “short circuit” opposition from Republicans in Congress who have blocked President Barack Obama from …

No plan to hand over Guantanamo to Cuba: US
10 years, 1 month ago

No plan to hand over Guantanamo to Cuba: US

India TV News  

Washington: US President Barack Obama does not plan to return the territory on which the Guantanamo Bay naval base is located to Cuba, although he aims at closing down the prison set up there, the White House said Thursday. However, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday that the US government was planning to retain the territory it holds at …

Congress deals big setback to Obama's effort to close Guantánamo
10 years, 3 months ago

Congress deals big setback to Obama's effort to close Guantánamo

Salon  

It's now been almost six years since President Obama vowed to close the U.S. detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, within one year, but the U.S. has yet to shutter the facility. Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the retiring chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters yesterday that language authorizing the transfer of detainees to other facilities …

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