Yesterday, three days before we have a new commander-in-chief, the Department of Defense announced that six detainees from Guantánamo Bay were transferred to Iraq, Algeria and Afghanistan, as “these detainees were determined to be eligible for departure following a comprehensive series of review processes.”
The announcement continues:
The transfer is a demonstration of the United States’ desire not to hold detainees any longer than necessary. It also underscores the processes put in place to assess each individual and make a determination about their detention while hostilities are ongoing – an unprecedented step in the history of warfare.
The Department of Defense has determined – through its comprehensive review processes – that approximately 60 detainees at Guantanamo are eligible for transfer or release. Departure of these detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations.
Since 2002, more than 525 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.
There are approximately 245 detainees currently at Guantanamo
I am glad that there appears to be some movement—perhaps even progress—and visibility on this issue.
It could be just a coincidence that such an announcement comes on the eve of the inauguration.
Perhaps the Pentagon has seen the writing on the wall.
Perhaps the Pentagon has been planning and working on such a “comprehensive series of review processes” for a time now.
Regardless, it is a timely and welcome development and I will not question the timing, motives or sincerity.
But others do have some questions and comments, here and here.
