DhafirTrial

By JOHN BRESNAHAN Politico 2/25/09

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving Democratic senator, is criticizing President Obama’s appointment of White House “czars” to oversee federal policy, saying these executive positions amount to a power grab by the executive branch. (more…)

Muslim Solidarity Day – Documentary film showing at Artrage Gallery, Syracuse, New York, February 26th at 7 p.m. (more…)

The Syracuse Post-Standard just let me know that it is unwilling to print a letter the Dr. Dhafir Support Committee sent two weeks ago because it included a request for donations for a “political cause.” The letter also has to be 250 words or less. I responded immediately with the letter below, but not fast enough for it to be in tomorrow’s paper, on Muslim Solidarity Day. It will be published in Friday’s paper.

To the Editor: (more…)

Chris Hedges Truthdig 2/23/09

Obama has an opportunity to radically alter the course we have charted in the Middle East. The key will be his administration’s relationship with Iran. If he gives in to the Israel lobby, if he empowers Ross, if he defines Iran as the enemy before he begins to attempt a negotiated peace, he could ignite a fuse that will see our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan evolve into a regional conflagration. This may be the most important decision of his presidency. Let’s pray he does not blow it. (more…)

And the winner is — The American People

by James McEnteer Commondreams 2/24/09

Kate Winslet’s Academy Award for Best Actress in The Reader surely disappointed and outraged Ron Rosenbaum. Amid the torrent of nonsense glutting U.S. media since the movie award nominations were announced, Rosenbaum’s objections to The Reader were far more substantive and accusatory. (more…)

From Reprieve 2/23/09

We are absolutely delighted to let you know that Reprieve’s client Binyam Mohamed has landed back in Britain. After nearly four and a half years in Guantánamo Bay and a long battle with the US authorities, he has finally been released, and landed at RAF Northholt airbase just after 1pm today. (more…)

Larisa Alexandrovna Rawstory 2/23/09

Former Alabama Democratic Governor Don Siegelman is trying to get answers as to why he was targeted for prosecution by the Department of Justice. (more…)

David Miliband claims the UK is bound by a pledge of confidentiality to the US not to discuss shared intelligence on terrorism. On the contrary, says Binyam Mohamed’s lawyer. If it relates to the violent abuse of suspects, to suppress it is illegal. (more…)