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Concerns Remain After Deal On Treatment Of Detainees; Agreement Between Bush And Senators Has Provisions That Must Be Reviewed

The Kansas City Star
September 23, 2006

The agreement between the White House and dissident Republican senators on the treatment of detainees in the war on terror was pronounced a victory by both sides.

But many substantive issues still need more debate.

President Bush had wanted congressional approval for coercive interrogation tactics. Under the agreement, Bush still gets to decide what interrogation techniques are permissible, and that information will remain classified. That's troubling, given the administration's previous abuses of detainees.

The agreement also strips defendants at GuantanamoBay of their rights to challenge their detentions in federal court.

The administration's original proposal was unacceptable to many, including Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina and Virginia's John W. Warner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The three senators and Colin Powell, a former secretary of state, recognized the practical and moral costs of undermining the protections of the Geneva Conventions. But it is unclear whether the compromise solves the problem.

The three senators appeared satisfied with the agreement. But critics of the new agreement include Amnesty International, which vigorously opposes human rights violations around the world.

Larry Cox, executive director of the organization, offers this analysis: "Without further clarification, the legislation leaves loopholes big enough to drive a Humvee through ... in the alleged 'win-win' compromise, it appears that the president can reinterpret the Conventions, amend the War Crimes Act and even give a green light to treatment long considered torture. Without additional clarity, the proposed agreement betrays American values of justice and long-held agreements and obligations on basic humane treatment."

Senators of both parties must approach the legislation carefully and thoroughly review the continuing concerns of human rights advocates.

The Senate needs to approve a tribunal process that respects American democratic principles.

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