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Give Guantánamo Back to Cuba


Jan 11 | NYT | Jonathan M. Hansen

IN the 10 years since the Guantánamo detention camp opened, the anguished debate over whether to shutter the facility — or make it permanent — has obscured a deeper failure that dates back more than a century and implicates all Americans: namely, our continued occupation of Guantánamo itself. It is past time to return this imperialist enclave to Cuba.

From the moment the United States government forced Cuba to lease the Guantánamo Bay naval base to us, in June 1901, the American presence there has been more than a thorn in Cuba’s side. It has served to remind the world of America’s long history of interventionist militarism. Few gestures would have as salutary an effect on the stultifying impasse in American-Cuban relations as handing over this coveted piece of land.


Tina January 11, 2012 - 10:45pm
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( categories: Carribean | USA: Armed Forces | USA: Foreign Relations )

Guantanamo’s 10th Anniversary Marked by Protests

Meredith Buel | Washington

A coalition of human rights groups is marking the 10th anniversary of the first detainees being jailed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by demonstrating in front of the White House and calling on President Barack Obama to close the controversial facility.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched in a cold rain along Pennsylvania Avenue.

They were led by protesters in black hoods and orange jump suits, representing the 171 detainees still held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

Tom Parker, with Amnesty International, said “Guantanamo has been open 10 years too long. It is not keeping anybody safe. It is only open really now because of domestic politics. It serves no real useful purpose. It is a stain on America’s reputation.”

Of the nearly 780 detainees brought to Guantanamo over the past decade, about 600 have been released.

Opponents of the facility say the vast majority of the remaining prisoners are not a national security threat to the United States.

more at VOA

Tina January 11, 2012 - 10:51pm
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