[upofadown]

>They exist in a legal grey area between POWs and war criminals.

Yeah, it is pretty normal for a repressive regime to come up with a legal theory for why it is perfectly OK to hold people indefinitely without trial. Normally such theories are only accepted by that particular regime...

[Dagwoodie]

I think Obama felt exactly the same way going into office, but quickly realized the people being sent to Gauntanamo Bay are as dangerous, ambitious and as hardened extremists as they had been saying. Releasing them would greatly increase the chances of a terrorist act on western countries. I'm not saying they shouldn't get some kind of trial, but the notion that they are very likely all at the very least future suicide bombers is often overlooked. Bush's administration had been saying it and I think Obama came to believe it first hand once he got into office.

[JoeAltmaier]

We'd know what they were like, if they were allowed a trial and could defend themselves? As it is, we take the word of military police etc. Who have never made a mistake?