President Obama Delivers Remarks on Closing of Guantanamo Bay

Summary

In this speech, the President discusses the need to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, emphasizing its counterproductive effects on national security, its high costs, and its negative impact on the U.S.'s global image. He outlines a comprehensive plan for transferring detainees, utilizing military commissions, and strengthening legal processes. Despite challenges and political opposition, the President argues for the closure, stressing its alignment with American values, saving taxpayer money, and improving relationships with allies. He urges Congress to act responsibly, ensuring future generations don’t inherit this unresolved issue.

Takeaways

• 😀 Guantanamo Bay detention facility is counterproductive to national security, and its closure has been supported by many, including experts and military personnel.
• 😀 The detention facility at Guantanamo harms relationships with international allies and is a propaganda tool for terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIL.
• 😀 Despite bipartisan support for closure in the past, political opposition has hindered progress, with Congress imposing restrictions to prevent its closure.
• 😀 The Obama administration has already reduced the number of detainees from nearly 800 to 91, with over 500 detainees transferred during the Bush administration.
• 😀 The new plan aims to close Guantanamo Bay by securely transferring detainees, reviewing their continued detention, and considering other legal options like military commissions and federal courts.
• 😀 The U.S. federal courts have proven to be effective in prosecuting terrorists, as evidenced by convictions like those of Richard Reid, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
• 😀 The plan includes finding a secure U.S. location for detainees who must remain in detention due to the threat they pose to national security, despite restrictions on their transfer.
• 😀 Closing Guantanamo would save taxpayers significant amounts, with the Defense Department estimating up to $85 million in annual savings and over $1.7 billion over 20 years.
• 😀 The closure of Guantanamo is a matter of upholding American values and aligning with international standards of rule of law and human rights.
• 😀 The closing of Guantanamo is framed as an opportunity to eliminate a terrorist propaganda tool, enhance national security, and uphold U.S. values, with bipartisan support still existing for its closure.

Q & A

What is the primary reason for closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay?

The primary reason for closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is that it undermines national security, harms the U.S.'s relationships with allies, and is counterproductive to the fight against terrorism.

What does the President say about the costs of Guantanamo Bay?

The President mentions that Guantanamo Bay costs nearly $450 million annually to operate, with additional costs of over $200 million needed for its continued operation, all for fewer than 100 detainees.

What is the public perception of Guantanamo, according to the President?

Guantanamo is viewed as a stain on the U.S.'s global standing and a contradiction to the country's commitment to rule of law and human rights.

How did the bipartisan support for closing Guantanamo change over time?

Initially, there was bipartisan support to close Guantanamo, but over time, political concerns and fears about safety led to a shift, making the issue more partisan and politically charged.

How has the U.S. made progress in closing Guantanamo?

Since taking office, the U.S. has transferred over 500 detainees to other countries, and only 91 detainees remain in Guantanamo. Furthermore, the Defense Department has developed a comprehensive plan to finally close the facility.

What are the key elements of the plan to close Guantanamo?

The plan includes transferring 35 detainees who have already been approved for transfer, accelerating reviews of remaining detainees, using military commissions where necessary, and working with Congress to find secure locations within the U.S. for those who must remain detained.

What role do military commissions play in this plan?

Military commissions will be used to deal with detainees who cannot be tried in federal courts due to the unique circumstances of their cases, but the President emphasizes that this should not set a precedent for future cases.

How does the President view the effectiveness of federal courts in prosecuting terrorists?

The President points out that federal courts have been successful in prosecuting high-profile terrorists such as Richard Reid, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and others, proving that federal courts can handle such cases effectively and safely.

What financial benefits are associated with closing Guantanamo?

Closing Guantanamo is expected to save up to $85 million annually, with total savings over 10 years potentially reaching $300 million and up to $1.7 billion over 20 years.

What challenges does the President acknowledge regarding the closure of Guantanamo?

The President acknowledges that closing Guantanamo is politically difficult, with opposition in Congress and concerns from the public about holding detainees within the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of doing what is right for national security, despite these challenges.