Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp Ordered Closed

Today President Obama ordered Guantanamo Bay detention camp closed a decision that is being rejoiced by some and condemned by others. Various Human Rights organizations have complained about prisoner conditions at the detention camp, but the fundamental questions remains of where these prisoner will be sent?

Some would argue that relocating Guantanamo Bay’s prisoners is absurd. If interrogation methods, under the previous administration were called into question, and are currently being revised by this new administration, then why close the detention camp? Granted it is a symbolic gesture, insofar as closing the detention camp sends a very clear message that interrogation tactics and CIA leadership have changed. The physical structure, however, the building as such is positioned such that is a good location to house war criminals.

What is of importance is not the actual detention center, as a physical structure, but the rules and regulations that govern that building. Since the current administration has done everything in its powers to break from the policies and practices of the former administration, closing the detention camp is, some would argue, little more than a symbolic gesture and signal to the world that times have changed.

Others, however, may argue that it would be impossible to overcome or undue the horrible associations with Guantanamo Bay despite the best of intentions, despite a new administration and new policies governing the care of prisoners. The stigma, then, has so horribly tarnished Guantanamo Bay that no amount of political reform will ever be able disassociate that structure with Human rights violations.

I’m not sure how I feel about Guantanamo Bay being closed. In one sense I understand the need to make a clear break with the past, but I also understand the redundancy in relocation and the strategic location of the building itself.

Jason J. Campbell
jasonjcampbell.org