President Obama yesterday eliminated the most controversial tools employed by his predecessor against terrorism suspects. With the stroke of his pen, he effectively declared an end to the "war on terror," as President George W. Bush had defined it, signaling to the world that the reach of the U.S. government in battling its enemies will not be limitless. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
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One of the better pieces on the Obama Administration the Post has run since inauguration. This is a deep, well explained follow-up to the news stories on the executive orders Obama issued yesterday undoing many of Bush's policies in the war on terrorism. An appropriate analysis of an era that ended abruptly.
It was a swift and sudden end to an era that was slowly drawing to a close anyway, as public sentiment grew against perceived abuses of government power. The feisty debate ... More »
The most interesting part of this piece is Dana Priest's walk down 'extraordinary rendition' lane. The account of the CIA's secret prisons, Bush Administration support and media coverage, is a worthwhile refresher.
The article itself is a rather lopsided historical review written from a nearly purely political standpoint while ignoring the realities which precipitated the situation. Factually, their are some rather gaping holes which were either overlooked or intentionally left out. The most glaring of which is: where will they send the released prisoners, so far 60 of prior releases have been re-detained for resuming terrorist activities.
I understand fully Mr. Obama's desire to boost America's image around the globe, but the political motivations of our new leader should not take ... More »
Obama offered no new formula for success in the struggle against Islamic extremists in Afghanistan, nor did he commit to a specific increase in U.S. troop strength there. ... More »
Fantastic overview of the policy decisions the Obama administration has made thus far. Skillfully illustrates the context in which this is happening, its historical significance and possible future implications. Quite enterprising in its open discussion of extraordinary rendition and secret prisons - though slightly better sourcing would have been appreciated there. Highly recommended.
Barack Obama, as is essential to his early success, is making some very powerful moves with all haste. Not to detract from the very real value of ... More »
Typical of the WP, juvenile reporting. First, the framework under which torture took place is still there., second, what is torture? Anyone willing to go before the ICC and stand trial for their actions? No? I thought not. Third, I see Clinton and Israel are plotting to bomb Iran. Fourth, Obama invoking God in his inauguration speech. I thought the US believed in separation of church and state. In other words, different clothes, same ideas. None of this is discussed in the story.
Obama keeping his word. The world, especialy muslins, considered Gitmo a place of torture, as did American's. I, for one, hope the American people never have to needlessly torture 14 year old children for information that they don't even have.
As far as placing these people in American prison's, believe me, they will be shared shit-less when they meet the prisoner's in our so-called ... More »
Jimmy is back. Weak policies look fine as long as thousands of Americans are not being killed. Obama is making a huge mistake. The terrorists will manipulate the US legal system to create a circus.
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