White House Says Biden “Determined” To Shut Down Guantanamo Bay

Well, folks, it seems our esteemed commander-in-chief is determined to shut down the infamous Club Gitmo before his term expires. Who needs a secure facility for the world’s most dangerous terrorists when we can just roll out the welcome mat on American soil, right? But let’s put the snark aside and dive into the nitty-gritty of this complex issue that’s been haunting our nation for over two decades.

The Last Push to Close Guantanamo

President Biden is making a final push to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility before his term ends in January 2025. This move comes on the heels of a significant development: plea deals reached with three alleged 9/11 plotters, including the infamous Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. These agreements have reignited the debate over Guantanamo’s future and the challenges of closing it down.

“That’s still something that the president wants to do and get done,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, affirming Biden’s commitment to shuttering the facility. She added that he is “determined” to accomplish this, although she didn’t have any kind of timeline to provide.

The Current State of Guantanamo

Guantanamo Bay currently holds 30 prisoners, a significant decrease from its peak of 780. The facility has long been a source of controversy due to allegations of torture, harsh interrogation tactics, and indefinite detention without trial. These issues have put pressure on successive administrations to find a solution.

“The Biden administration must also take all necessary measures to ensure that a program of state-sanctioned enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment will never be perpetrated by the United States again,” said Daphne Eviatar, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Challenges and Obstacles

Closing Guantanamo is not a simple task. Congressional restrictions prevent the transfer of detainees to the U.S. mainland, severely limiting the options for relocation. As NPR’s Sacha Pfeiffer pointed out, “There is a U.S. law that says Guantanamo prisoners cannot enter the United States for any reason, including to go into a supermax prison.”

This legal barrier presents a significant hurdle for the Biden administration, requiring either congressional action or alternative solutions for detainee relocation.

The 9/11 Plea Deals

The recent plea deals with three alleged 9/11 plotters have added a new dimension to the Guantanamo debate. These agreements allow the defendants to avoid the death penalty in exchange for life sentences and cooperation with victim families.

“This brings partial closure to something that had been in total gridlock,” noted Sacha Pfeiffer, highlighting the significance of this development after years of legal stalemate.

White House Involvement

It’s important to note that the Biden administration maintains it had no direct involvement in the plea deal negotiations. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated, “The president had no role. The vice president had no role. I had no role. The White House had no role. And we were informed yesterday — the same day that they went out publicly — that this pretrial agreement had been accepted by the convening authority.”

This arms-length approach may be an attempt to avoid political controversy surrounding the deals, while still pursuing the broader goal of closing the facility.

Looking Ahead

As the Biden administration enters its final stretch, the push to close Guantanamo Bay faces significant challenges. Congressional opposition, legal hurdles, and the complex nature of detainee relocation all stand in the way of fulfilling this long-standing promise.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether President Biden can succeed where his predecessors have failed, and finally bring an end to the controversial chapter of Guantanamo Bay in American history.