Obama Expresses Displeasure With Guantanamo Restrictions But Signs Them Into Law
The president says he will seek the repeal of new provisions tucked into defense-spending legislation, but averts a confrontation with the new Congress by not raising constitutional objections.
Disclosure of Possible Gitmo Signing Statement Spurs Debate Inside and Outside Administration
Obama administration officials have drafted a signing statement that stops short of claiming that provisions in a spending bill on Guantanamo are unconstitutional. But debate continues within the administration and among constitutional experts as to how President Obama should react to legislation limiting where and how he can prosecute prisoners.
Administration Prepares to Defy Efforts to Limit Obama’s Options for Guantanamo
Senior officials are advising President Obama to reject provisions of a military spending bill that limits his handling of Guantanamo. Aides are urging him to sign the bill but issue a signing statement rejecting the Guantanamo provisions as unacceptable limits on his authority.
White House Drafts Executive Order for Indefinite Detention
The Obama Administration has drafted an executive order that calls for regular reviews of the cases against Guantanamo prisoners. It calls for release of prisoners from countries like Yemen should security conditions improve.
DOJ’s Troubled Case Against Uthman
Evidence of terrorism ties hinged to witnesses who have been tortured, deemed incompetent weaken the government's case against Uthman.
Alhurra’s Effectiveness, Expense Criticized in New Senate Report
Findings in a new U.S. Senate report that questions the effectiveness and costs of continuing Alhurra are leading to renewed calls for congressional hearings on the government-run satellite channel and the broadcasting agency that oversees its work.
Top Washington Lawyer, Holder Friend to Be Next Deputy Attorney General
James Cole, who served in the Clinton administration, will be nominated for the No. 2 spot in the Justice Department. Currently a white-collar criminal defense lawyer, Cole may be best known for his investigation of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1996.
Inspectors Keep Up Pressure on Alhurra, Say Effectiveness Still in Question
Alhurra, a U.S.-run TV station that broadcasts news to the Middle East, still has management problems and can't measure its effectiveness, a new inspector general's review says. The station has come under scrutiny from the media and Congress.
The Clock Ticks Slowest at Gitmo: Why It’s Taking so Long to Close the Prison
Nearly a year after taking office, the Obama administration isn’t as close to closing the prison at Guantanamo as it had hoped it would be by now. The reasons are legal, political and bureaucratic.