The Washington Post reports that "President Obama's advisers are nearing a recommendation that Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, be prosecuted in a military tribunal," reversing Attorney General Holder's plan to try him in civilian court:
Marine Col. Jeffrey Colwell, acting chief defense counsel at the Defense Department's Office of Military Commissions, said it would be a "sad day for the rule of law" if Obama decides not to proceed with a federal trial. "I thought the decision where to put people on trial -- whether federal court or military commissions -- was based on what was right, not what is politically advantageous," Colwell said.
When he announced his decision to close Guantanamo Bay prison, President Obama said this:
"This is me following through on not just a commitment I made during the campaign, but I think an understanding that dates back to our Founding Fathers, that we are willing to observe core standards of conduct, not just when it's easy, but also when it's hard."
If the Obama administration abandons its effort to try Khalid Sheikh Muhammad in civilian court, it would represent a significant capitulation by President Obama to his political enemies, and a betrayal of his supporters who took seriously his promises to bring America's anti-terrorism policies back within bounds of the law.
It will also represent a significant propaganda victory for Al Qaeda, who crave the status and recognition that treating them as "soldiers" in a "war" bestows, and would love to be able to show the world that Obama, just like Bush and Cheney, will cast American principles aside when faced with a threat.
President Obama should understand by now that no matter how much he reaches out his hand to his neoconservative critics, they will never unclench their fists. They'll just look for a new place to strike. The president's struggle to cultivate bipartisanship is admirable. But a bipartisan consensus in favor of fashioning a new legal framework for dealing with an age-old problem -- terrorism -- is worse than worthless, it's an admission to Al Qaeda, and to world, that our existing institutions aren't strong enough to deal with it, and that we'll abandon our core values when it gets hard.
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Bush/Cheney ,the corporate media,and MIC invented and over- stated "Al-Qaeda*s ' aims and organizational capabilities. We have heard countless times how "Al-Qaeda '' wants to launch a nuclear attack. This is never questioned in the media. It has become the common wisdom . I have questions for those who continue to fear ''Al-Qaeda" and use 9/11 as proof of their deadly power.
1) On 9/11 "AL-Qaeda" had 4 jets they could have flown into Nuclear Plants or Chemical Plants,Oil Refineries or packed Sport Stadiums. Why didn*t they create a Nuclear Event or Chemical Attack when they had the planes on 9/11?
2) American businesses exist in every country in the world.Why aren*t those banks and fast-food restaurants being attacked by ''Al-qaeda''?
3) Why hasn*t ''Al-Qaeda'' been able to kill even One American on American soil in eight years ?
Deep deep deep DEEP down, I think (hope) fellow citizens know the truth.
B S
Now, if Obama would just reverse Holder's plan to NOT try Bush and Cheney for taking us to war in Iraq based on lies.
According to the book Triple Cross, by Peter Lance (a 5-time Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter):
An Islamic radical and Egyptian ex-commando, Ali Mohamed, worked for the Pentagon's Special Forces, was an FBI informant and CIA asset, but yet, Ali Mohamed was also working for Al Qaeda.
But alas, why do you believe KSM’s trial will be in Dick Cheney's newly created and secretive “military” commission? This decision certainly appears to have support from both Parties.
This 'KSM trial' issue will speak volumes about where the President stands with regard to Constitutional principles and his belief (or lack thereof) in basic American values pertaining to the rule of law and criminal justice.
The world is watching.
I'm afraid I voted for a capitulator. A typical "talk tough then cave to Republican" spineless Democrat. If he's taking bad advice he needs to send someone to the woodshed. If this is on purpose and a continued theme for the next < 3 years I'm done with him and the Democratic party forever. The funny part is when the Democrats fall out of power they'll be wondering why the aren't getting support from the voters. Obama's failure to stand firm will spell his doom and insure the Republican rise - which will, in turn, spell the doom of the United States.
The first is you will be doing exactly what you say you don't want to do, namely give KSM an honor he does not deserve by allowing him a speaking platform. You say he does not deserve a soldier's honor of being tried by the military, but you will provide him a platform where he will be given a great deal of honor in the eyes of his followers. Where KSM can denounce the "Great Satan blah, blah, blah". Even not allowing any press to film the media circus KSM's trial will become will fail, because even if the records were sealed, there would be leaks.
The second problem, and one you do not mention, is the burden of proof and defense in a federal court. A very real argument against federal courts is making public classified information on sources etc. So if you read my post, please answer these two questions:
1. Would you support federal court if KSM walked, a free man, because the government decided keeping something classified was more important?
2. Would you support federal court if classified information was made public, KSM was convicted, and others just as bad as KSM were never captured?
And if/when they are convicted.....toss them out the nearest window.