In the beginning stages of its operations at Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), the U.S. government felt satisfied with what it perceived as a successful strategy. It believed that by detaining individuals suspected of being involved in terrorism, it had managed to isolate and deal with what were considered serious threats to national security without adhering strictly to domestic laws or international conventions. The underlying idea was that this approach would allow for swift actions against those deemed enemies.
However, as time went on, the government encountered significant challenges and complexities that forced a reevaluation of its initial stance. It realized that many of the individuals held at GTMO did not meet the criteria of being combatants or having any direct involvement in acts of terrorism. This revelation led to a crisis of conscience and practical difficulties for policymakers and military personnel who had been operating under a different assumption. The quote underscores the ethical, legal, and operational dilemmas that arise when such broad and unchecked powers are exercised.
Mohamedou Ould Slahi is the author of this poignant quote. He was himself detained at Guantanamo Bay from 2002 until his release in 2016, after which he published a memoir titled "Guantanamo Diaries." In his book, Slahi provides detailed accounts of his experiences and reflections on the treatment of detainees and the broader implications of detention policies adopted by the U.S. government during its fight against terrorism. His insights offer a critical perspective on the consequences of extreme measures taken in times of perceived national crisis.
