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Terrorism - Issues, Resources and Commentary

In this post 9-11 world, anti-terrorism has become a catch-all invoked to rationalize many government actions. A look a laws, statistics, government actions.
Should Waterboarding Be Illegal?
The back-to-back revelations about destroyed tapes of CIA-led interrogations and confirmation (albeit second-hand) of waterboarding by a former CIA agent begs the questions: "When, if ever, is torture OK? What is our government doing in our names? And are we OK with it?"
Terrorism at About.com
About Guide Amy Zalman provides up-to-date and in-depth analysis of terrorism. Amy has been writing about terrorism and politically motivated violence since the late 1990s. From 2003 to 2006, she worked as a consultant and foreign media strategist on U.S. counterterrorism initiatives. Amy is currently an adjunct professor at the New School University in New York.
Military Commissions Act of 2006
Both the House and Senate passed separate but equivalent versions of the Military Commissions Act on Thursday 27 September 2006 -- two days after the House bill was introduced.
Five Years After 9-11
Life has changed - sometimes significantly - for Americans and others since 9-11. Numbers tell part of the story
Bush Speech: Little New Ground
Analysis. In his 17 minute address to the nation on the fifth anniversary of 9-11, President Bush told us that we are in "the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century, and the calling of our generation." He did concede that "Saddam Hussein was not responsible for the 9/11 attacks." Maybe all those Americans who still think there is a link will finally discard that belief.
Five Years Later - September 11
Five years after 9-11, Americans are skeptical of the war on terror and most Republicans believe Saddam Hussein was involved with events of that day, despite official reports to the contrary.
Court to Bush: Gitmo Trials Illegal
29 June 2006. The Supreme Court, in a major setback for the Bush Administration, ruled (5-3) that military trials set up at Guantanamo Bay violate both US law and the Geneva Conventions.
Senate Committee Confirms Hayden for CIA Chief
23 May 2006. Only three of the seven Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee voted against confirmation (12-3) of Gen. Michael Hayden as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Hayden would be the 20th chief of the spy agency; he is at the center of controversy surrounding Bush Administration intelligence gathering practices.
Issue : Geneva Conventions
This issue summary provivdes background about the Geneva Conventions and treatment of prisoners of war in the context of today's war on terrorism.
Latest Intel -- Valid Alert or Crying Wolf?
Review of Adminstration decision to raise terrorist alert levels in New York, Washington DC and New Jersey based on old data.
Terror In The Skies?
Analysis of article in Women's Wallstreet that details reporter's encounter with alleged terrorists on U.S. airline flight.
Article: Memos Reveal War Crimes Warnings
In this May 2004 article, the authors argue that internal Bush Administration documents acknowledged that an unorthodox approach to the war on terrorism could lead to "war crimes" charges. The article includes the January 25, 2002 memo from White House counsel Alberto Gonzales which urged President Bush to declare Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters outside the protection of the Geneva Conventions.
Article: POW Decision - A Blow for Freedom
This London Guardian special report suggests that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Guantanamo Bay prisoners can challenge their detention will probably "lead to hundreds being released."
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - Special Report
Beginning in 2003, this London Guardian special report is a collection of news and analysis about the US prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Four Britons are held at the prison, which the Pentagon described in 2002 as the a "legal black hole" where detainees would be protected neither by the Geneva Conventions nor US law.
National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
This 32-page document (February 2003) outlines the Bush Administration's description of the problem; states that the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WDM) is a "clear and present danger"; and describes the policy of "proactive defense."
U.N. Action Against Terrorism
The United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee web site provides background information as well as current developments in English, French, Spanish and Russian.
Voices of September 11
This advocacy organization on behalf of 9/11 families also acts as a clearinghouse and provides support groups, bereavement groups, education, outreach, mental health assessments and referrals and related workshops.
War on Terror - A Special Report
This Washington Post resource provides access to Post articles, photos and video -- from September 11, 2001 to today.

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