NEW YORK — The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the rights of Guantanamo detainees to challenge their detention in U.S. civilian courts is a serious rebuke of the controversial detention policies of the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. It also may pave the way for the facility's permanent closure.
However, this is also an excellent opportunity for the Bush administration to demonstrate its commitment to American security while simultaneously beginning to heal a rift that has harmed the global standing of the United States, particularly in the Muslim world.
America's image has taken a beating from the revelations of torture and abuse at Guantanamo and at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. These facilities have housed terrorism suspects rounded up since 9/11. U.S. officials say many are guilty, but human rights activists ask how they can be so certain without legal protocol.