I just participated in a telephone conference call held by the Council on Foreign Relations, explaining why the decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, suspected Sept. 11 mastermind, in a federal court is a good plan in terms of national security and public relations.
John B. Bellinger III, a Council on Foreign Relations fellow and former Bush administration advisor, downplayed security
concerns, and instead emphasized the importance of a fair trial, best served by a
civilian setting.
Bellinger also stressed that he does not think
the debate between using federal courts versus military commissions is one that can be answered -- and that the government should go on a case-by-case basis. "As
with everything in the detainee debate, people tend to make it look like it is
black or white," he said.
For K.S.M., against whom there is plenty of evidence (as with Timothy McVeigh
and Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman), Bellinger supports the use of the federal justice system. On
the other hand, he said it is difficult to imagine anything but military
commissions in the case of certain crimes committed abroad and by actors
captured by soldiers also off U.S. soil, such as alleged militants "pulled out
of caves in Tora Bora."
Steven Simon, also a CFR fellow, argued that while justice
might be equally served by both systems, the U.S. will be fostering vital
public relations by holding the trial in a federal court. He said trying K.S.M. in New York might have a similar impact as the Nuremburg Trials against the Nazis. "Whether this will
have an effect and how big the effect will be remains to be seen. We know that
the election of Barack Obama was greeted with some enthusiasm as a sign of
change and a break with the past," he said. "The trial of K.S.M. could draw a
similar bright line."
Herve Leger
Dresses, evening, cocktail, prom dresses, formal gowns from dresses. ... line of short prom dresses which debuted at this year's New York fashion runway Herve Leger Dresses Herve dresses Fashion Gowns Cheap Evening Dresses
Party, Evening and Celebrity dresses – endless selection of styles, colours and the latest celebrity trends – in the Goddiva boutique at fantastic prices
links of london specialises in quality handcrafted designer stering silver jewelry, links of london Shop provides hundreds of discount, cheap and links of london links of london Bracelet links of london friednship
Links of London, the leading British contemporary jeweller was founded in 1990 by jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas and her husband John Ayton. Excellent craftsmanship, generous tactile forms and the use of the finest materials remain integral to each collection. links of london store links of london tiffany jewellery links of london Charms
Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.
I just participated in a telephone conference call held by the Council on Foreign Relations, explaining why the decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, suspected Sept. 11 mastermind, in a federal court is a good plan in terms of national security and public relations.
Read More
(5)
HIDE COMMENTS LOGIN OR REGISTER REPORT ABUSE