To the Point
Do We Need Guantanamo Bay Prison?
President Obama promised to shut down Guantanamo Bay, but 166 prisoners are still there. Is Guantanamo a relic of what used to be called "the war on terror?"
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenPresident Obama promised to shut down Guantanamo Bay, but 166 prisoners are still there. We hear about abusive treatment of prisoners, a recent uprising and a hunger strike. Is Guantanamo a relic of what used to be called "the war on terror?" Also, the US says chemical weapons were used in Syria, and George W. Bush dedicates his Presidential Library — with help from his friends.
Banner image: "Shut Down Guantanamo" protest. Photo by KCIvey
In this episode
3 storiesUS Says Chemical Weapons Used in Syria
In a letter to Congress, the Obama White House says it has " varying degrees of confidence " that chemical weapons have been used in Syria. That word first came from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Abu Dhabi after a five-nation tour of the Middle East.
Read the story8 minDoes the US Still Need the Prison at Guantanamo Bay?
Barack Obama's first presidential order was to close Guantánamo Bay. Even George W. Bush agreed. But as he began his second term in January of this year, the special envoy for closing Guantánamo was dismissed without a replacement, and 166 prisoners are still there.
Read the story35 minFive Presidents on Hand to Open Bush 43 Library
In Dallas today, the President and all the living former presidents came together to help dedicate the library named for George W. Bush . President Obama followed Bill Clinton to the podium today before an audience crowded with political dignitaries and foreign leaders.
Read the story8 min
