Detainee stays in prison no matter the verdict

Salim Hamdan, the defendant at the first military commission since World War II, would still be considered an enemy combatant, subject to detention, regardless of the outcome of his trail. A verdict was expected today out of Guantanamo Bay prison in the case against Hamdan, the former driver and alleged body guard of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. "Even if he were acquitted of the charges that are before him he would still be considered an enemy combatant...and still a danger and would likely still be detained for some period of time thereafter," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell. Morrell explained that Hamdan, if acquitted, can go to a review board, which judges suitability for release or transfer. Also if he is not found guilty, Hamdan may also have the opportunity to challenge his status as an enemy combatant in court.

Morrell said that the Defense Department was pleased that the commission was taking place. "We think that you've seen a fair and transparent process," he said. 'It was a good first effort...we hope it is the beginning of at least 20 additional trials that will hopefully take place sooner than later down there.

Morrell also addressed recent comments by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that the DoD is working toward facilitating more U.S. troops in Afghanistan Morrell emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan is not urgent and that despite the commanders' request for more ground forces, troop levels in Iraq are not directly tied to a force increase in Afghanistan. "I know much has been made of the correlation between forces coming down in Iraq and going up in Afghanistan and while that certainly would seem to be the most natural transaction to take place, the truth is we're 2.5 nearly million strong around the world, we have the means to draw forces elsewhere. Whether that be through reserves the [National] Guard or drawing down from other places around the world where we have commitments. "

How to close down a terrorist group

Military force may not be the best way to squash terrorist groups said the RAND Corporation at a congressional briefing from the RAND Corporation on factors that cause the end of terrorist groups. The briefing focused particularly on ways in which al-Qaida could be brought down.

Seth Jones, a political scientist at RAND, conducted a study examining 648 terrorist organizations from around the world. Of these, 41 percent have disappeared. The study focused primarily on what led to their demise. Jones said that 48 percent ended by cutting a political deal through negotiations with government, 40 percent through increased police surveillance, 10 percent of the groups succeeded in their aims and 7 percent ended through military force .

Jones said these results show that for the United States to effectively dismantle al-Qaida, negotiation would be far more effective that military action abroad. He also said that because the U.S. spends over 90 percent of its counterterrorism budget on the Department of Defense, it is misallocating its resources and pursuing a strategy that is not effective with the war on terror.

Obama lays out his five-fold national security plan

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama gave a speech on U.S. foreign policy, national security and strategy in Iraq at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington D.C. Obama was introduced by Wilson Center director Lee Hamilton who started jovially referencing an incident where Obama had to show ID at a DC gym.

Obama began his speech with a historic reference to the Marshall plan quoting from General Marshall's speech about rebuilding enemy nations, "What is needed? What can best be done? What must be done?"

The junior Democratic senator criticized the governmental response to Sept. 11 listing things "We could've done." He described the war in Iraq as one "that had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks." He advocated a national security strategy that goes "not just in Baghdad."

He outlined his national security policy based on five points: "ending the war in Iraq responsibly; finishing the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban; securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states; achieving true energy security; and rebuilding our alliances to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

Obama defended his position on ending the war in Iraq. "George Bush and John McCain don't have a plan for success in Iraq. They have a plan for staying in Iraq." He defined victory as leaving Iraq to a sovereign government that can care with its people and an enemy whose power cannot reemerge. He laid out a redeployment plan for U.S. forces to leave Iraq by 2010. He said he would shift power to Afghanistan putting two more combat brigades in Afghanistan as well as non-military aid.

He also called to stop "bankrolling the ambitions for Iran," by purchasing foreign oil. He classified global warming as a national security issue. He also called for an increase in foreign assistance to $50 billion for development as a means of security.

Home base for al-Qaida: Pakistan?

Before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) recounted to the committee his recent four day trip to Pakistan. The testimony was meant to serve as a first person account on the on going somewhat rocky relationship between the United States and Pakistan.

In his assessment of the on-going relationship with Pakistan, Feingold stated “it is out of this country that we face our most serious national security threat.” Feingold added, “the Central Intelligence Agency has concluded that it is Pakistan that is the central front in the fight against al-Qaida.”

Throughout his testimony Feingold made a point of stressing the need for the United States to engage in the new Pakistani leadership. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) reiterated Feingold’s point of view “What makes sense is that we have to engage the political leaders.” Feingold concluded his remarks by focusing the committee’s attention on the Pakistani elections from six months ago and which ended the presidential rule of Pervez Musharraf. “One change was in the north west province where I believe a more traditional more hard lined religious party was defeated by a more opened minded party and so that was an exciting development instead of a hard lined approach that maybe people were tired of the old way of rule.”

Petraeus: It would be an honor to serve

In his speech addressing Congress before the full committee hearing on his nomination to be reappointed to grade of general and to be commander of the United States Central Command, General David Petraeus said there are four concerns. The first is violent extremism, including but not limited to al Qaida. Second, weapons of mass destruction and lack of transparency by countries such as Iran, which he said is a major cause of concern. Third, lack of sustainable economic development in the Middle East, which is a serious security concern, as poor communities can cause hotbeds of extremism. Fourth, narcotics and arms smuggling which can threaten legitimate operations and can help out terrorists. While this is not an exhaustive list, he said, this is a basic list.

A purely military solution is not the solution, he said, and the approach should be to first seek to strengthen our international partnerships with which to pursue our mutual interests. If he is confirmed, he said, he will search for comprehensive results, by looking for the underlying reasons for issues. I will work tirelessly as a combatant commander and Congress to work that those serving have best equipment, and care for those that have been wounded, Petraeus said. This is a sacred obligation that I take very seriously, he said, and it will mean carrying the heaviest rucksack I’ve ever shouldered, just as our soldiers are carrying heavy rucksacks now. There can be no alternative but to soldier on with them, to help us carry out our assigned mission. It would be an honor, he said, to serve.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, appearing before the committee to be considered for appointment to the grade of general and to be commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq, said that as he reflects on his nomination, he’s humbled and honored. He understands the great cost our nation has endured in Iraq, and the responsibility that comes with his position. Integrity, commitment and drive that such a position demands, is something that he hopes to bring with him should he be confirmed to his position.

During the initial speech of Petraeus, Code Pink caused a major disruption by shouting, screaming, and demonstrating their anti-war cause while wearing outfits that were depicting “bloody clothes” and “death.” While the Capitol Police removed them and Senator Carl Levin (D- Mich), Chairman, asked them to be quiet and refrain from demonstrating vocally. The remaining Code Pink members sat silently, holding signs that said “Stop the Killing” and “Endless War,” but not creating further disruptions.