To the Point
A Verdict is In but Military Tribunals are Still on Trial
Share |

A Verdict is In but Military Tribunals are Still on Trial

Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Podcast iTunes Podcast
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Listen Download Add to My Shows
Legacy Player: Listen

In a test case for military tribunals, Osama bin Laden's former driver was convicted today on one charge but acquitted on another.  The White House calls it a "fair trial," but appeals are likely. We hear what's next at Guantánamo Bay for the sentencing of Salim Hamdan and the fate of 80 other prisoners. Also, FBI prepares to unveil its case against Bruce Ivins. On Reporter's Notebook, how did Paris Hilton get involved in the presidential campaign?

Photo: Defendant Salim Hamdan (L) sits during his trial inside the war crimes courthouse inside the war crimes courthouse at Camp Justicein Guantánamo Bay US Naval Base, in Cuba. Sketch by Janet Hamlin-Pool/Getty Images

Making News

FBI to Unveil the Case against Bruce Ivins ()

The FBI is briefing the families of five victims and nearly two dozen survivors of the anthrax letters that terrorized the nation in the aftermath of September 11. Later today, investigative reports are expected to be made public on Dr. Bruce Ivins, who apparently killed himself last week. David Willman of the Los Angeles Times was the first reporter to reveal that Ivins had become the prime suspect.

Guests:
  • David Willman: Pulitzer-prize winning investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times
Links:

Main Topic

The Legal and Political Implications of the Hamdan Verdict ()

In America's first war crimes trial since World War II, a military court delivered a split verdict today. Salim Hamdan, once the driver for Osama bin Laden, was convicted of supporting terrorism but acquitted of the more serious charge of conspiracy. The same jury is about to begin the sentencing phase of the trial. Hamdan's case, regarded as an important test for the Bush Administration's latest version of military tribunals, will likely be appealed as debate continues over US standards of fairness and justice. We hear about the sentencing process at Guantánamo Bay and the prospects for some 80 other detainees.

Guests:
  • Jess Bravin: Reporter, Wall Street Journal,
  • Lee Casey: former staffer, Justice Department
  • David Remes: Attorney; Former partner with Covington & Burling
  • Jonathan Drimmer: Former Deputy Director, Office of Special Investigations of the Criminal Division for the US Department of Justice
Links:

Reporter's Notebook

Paris Hilton for President? ()

John McCain's campaign has ridiculed Barack Obama by comparing his celebrity status to that of Paris Hilton. Now Hilton has released a video announcing her candidacy for the White House against that "wrinkly old white-haired guy." In her video, Hilton proposes an energy plan combining McCain's off-shore drilling with Obama's hybrid-vehicle industry. McCain's campaign says it sounds as if she's supporting him. What's going on?

Guests:
Links:

CD copies of To the Point are available by calling 1.888.600.5279.

Engage & Discuss

Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.

For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.