Guantanamo: The War on Terror and the Rule of Law

President Bush’s claims of executive power over terrorist suspects have run into more trouble in both civilian and military courts. Last week, two military judges ruled that a Presidential order is not enough to give them jurisdiction over the prisoners held atGuantánamo Bay. Yesterday, a federal appellate court said the President cannot hold a civilian suspect without charge by calling him an "enemy combatant."  Judge Diana Gribbon Motz said that would have "disastrous consequences for the Constitution -- and the country." Colin Powell wants to close Guantánamo, "not tomorrow but this afternoon." What’s the point of keeping it open? Are the White House and the Pentagon trying to protect interrogation techniques that may be counter-productive?