Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
Gen. Joseph P. Hoar / Charles C. Krulak
The New York Times has published an editorial by Charles C. Krulak and General Jospeh P. Hoar (USMC, ret.), former commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command and a Middle East Policy Council board member. In this editorial, General Hoar seeks to remind President Obama of his commitment to the legal ideals of the United States, and warns against expanding the reliance on military courts for trying terrorists.
Guantánamo Forever?
In his inaugural address, President Obama called on us to “reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.” We agree. Now, to protect both, he must veto the National Defense Authorization Act that Congress is expected to pass this week.
This budget bill — which can be vetoed without cutting financing for our troops — is both misguided and unnecessary: the president already has the power and flexibility to effectively fight terrorism.
One provision would authorize the military to indefinitely detain without charge people suspected of involvement with terrorism, including United States citizens apprehended on American soil. Due process would be a thing of the past. Some claim that this provision would merely codify existing practice. Current law empowers the military to detain people caught on the battlefield, but this provision would expand the battlefield to include the United States — and hand Osama bin Laden an unearned victory long after his well-earned demise.
Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
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The Middle East Policy Council's senior leadership and board of directors can offer unique insights into the complex issues facing U.S. policy making in the Middle East.
Gen. Joseph P. Hoar / Charles C. Krulak
The New York Times has published an editorial by Charles C. Krulak and General Jospeh P. Hoar (USMC, ret.), former commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command and a Middle East Policy Council board member. In this editorial, General Hoar seeks to remind President Obama of his commitment to the legal ideals of the United States, and warns against expanding the reliance on military courts for trying terrorists.