Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies
Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, an anti-terrorism think tank formed after 9/11; former federal prosecutor who led the 1995 terrorism prosecution against Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and eleven others for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing
Bush Commutes Libby's Sentence The sentencing judge in the Lewis "Scooter" Libby case is a hard-line conservative appointed by President Bush. He said the evidence of felony crimes by Libby was "overwhelming," and gave him 30 months in prison. Yesterday, a three-judge panel ruled that Libby's sentence could not be delayed. The Bureau of Prisons had assigned him a number. But five hours later, President Bush commuted what he called an " excessive " sentence. Though he said he "respected" the jury's felony verdict, today said he would not rule out a full pardon for the Vice President's former top aide. There's no doubt the President has the power, but legal experts disagree on the way he's using it. So far he's used clemency less than any president in the past 100 years. Do some criminals outside politics deserve official forgiveness?
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?
California Wildfire Special A live, one-hour special brought to you by KQED and KCRW.
California catastrophe The fires rage on in our own backyard, and in Northern California, encompassing tens of thousands of acres each. In L-A and Ventura Counties, the Woolsey Fire has scorched everything in its path. To the north, in Butte County, the Camp Fire has charred and destroyed even more acreage, of trees, brush and everything else, north of Sacramento, and the town of Paradise is a scene of utter devastation and heartbreak.