Many interesting aspects to the article. Although relevant to a different thread, the issues of Guantanamo Bay have made the reputation of America through the rest of the world pretty poor. There is widespread opinion that you cannot invade another country, capture whoever you like and then illegally hold them indefinitely without them being seem before a court. It is illegal under international law. It is immoral. Following intense diplomatic pressure, the US has released some of those inmates and in cases where there was no adequate evidence, the individuals have been released ? having lost 2 years of their lives, having been humiliated, in some cases having been tortured. You cannot hold somebody captive for more than two years without evidence.
The article makes reference to the French holding the alleged terrorists for up to 3 years without charge: "The French anti-terrorism judge overseeing both cases is Bruguiere, an investigating magistrate who under French law is granted great prosecutorial powers, including the ability to sign search warrants, order wiretaps and interrogate suspects." However, they have been taken before a court who will have been able to look at evidence presented and authorise their continued detainment ? something denied to those in Guntanamo. In fact there are several references in the article to the judicial processes involved in the French anti-terorist laws. This is critical as it ensures that the courts are maintaining involvement.
Do the rest of the world have to ask permission from the US to visit any other country. Many of those held were in Afghanistan for quite valid reasons that had nothing to do with terrorism - yet the US with all its might marched in there and held them illegally for more than two years. That is no way for a supposedly mighty power to behave.
With regards to terrorism, Americans also need to remember that for many years it was people from the US that were financing terrorists in the United Kingdom ?namely the IRA. The UK repeatedly asked the Americans to stop this funding. However, the "Irish vote" was important to the US politicians so no actions were taken.
For a nation to be mighty it needs to behave responsibly. There is more to being a great nation than to be able to march into any other country you chose with guns and bombs. Europe realises this and it may be this that contributes to the gulf between the two continents,
The article makes reference to the French holding the alleged terrorists for up to 3 years without charge: "The French anti-terrorism judge overseeing both cases is Bruguiere, an investigating magistrate who under French law is granted great prosecutorial powers, including the ability to sign search warrants, order wiretaps and interrogate suspects." However, they have been taken before a court who will have been able to look at evidence presented and authorise their continued detainment ? something denied to those in Guntanamo. In fact there are several references in the article to the judicial processes involved in the French anti-terorist laws. This is critical as it ensures that the courts are maintaining involvement.
Do the rest of the world have to ask permission from the US to visit any other country. Many of those held were in Afghanistan for quite valid reasons that had nothing to do with terrorism - yet the US with all its might marched in there and held them illegally for more than two years. That is no way for a supposedly mighty power to behave.
With regards to terrorism, Americans also need to remember that for many years it was people from the US that were financing terrorists in the United Kingdom ?namely the IRA. The UK repeatedly asked the Americans to stop this funding. However, the "Irish vote" was important to the US politicians so no actions were taken.
For a nation to be mighty it needs to behave responsibly. There is more to being a great nation than to be able to march into any other country you chose with guns and bombs. Europe realises this and it may be this that contributes to the gulf between the two continents,