Senator Lindsey Graham Advocates for Military Tribunal of 9/11 Mastermind

Strategic Insights -

Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, has been a strong advocate for trying the 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and four other suspects in a military tribunal rather than a civilian court in New York. Graham believes that a military tribunal would be a more appropriate venue for the trial, citing concerns about the costs and logistics of holding the trial in a civilian court in New York, as well as the potential for a "zoo-like" atmosphere. He also argues that the trial should be held under military law, which would allow for the detention of enemy combatants without trial.

Graham's comments come in the wake of a report in The Washington Post suggesting that the White House may be considering a reversal on the issue, with the possibility of holding the trials in a military tribunal. The Senator expressed skepticism about the report, stating that he had not received any communication from the White House on the issue, but welcomed the idea of moving forward with a military tribunal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Lindsey Graham has been advocating for trying the 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and four other suspects in a military tribunal.
  • Graham believes a military tribunal would be more appropriate than a civilian court in New York, citing concerns about costs and logistics.
  • He argues that the trial should be held under military law, which would allow for the detention of enemy combatants without trial.
  • Graham welcomes the idea of moving forward with a military tribunal, citing the need for bipartisan solutions to the problem.
  • He suggests that a deal between Congress and the White House may not exist, with the White House potentially seeking funding and legal authority to close Guantanamo Bay in exchange for holding the trials in a military tribunal.
  • Graham points out that 48 individuals at Guantanamo Bay are too dangerous to release but cannot be tried; a military tribunal would be necessary to hold them under military law.
  • He argues that a military tribunal would be a good start to finding a way to close Guantanamo Bay safely and would be welcome by the American people.

Statistics:

  • 48 individuals at Guantanamo Bay are too dangerous to release but cannot be tried. (Source: Obama administration)
  • $100s of millions of dollars could be spent on holding the trial in a civilian court in New York. (Source: Senator Graham)
  • 31 detainees at Guantanamo Bay have been granted their habeas petition by judges. (Source: Unspecified)
  • 48 people have been deemed too dangerous to release by the Obama administration. (Source: Obama administration)
  • Senator Lindsey Graham believes that a military tribunal would be a welcome change for the American people. (Source: Senator Graham)

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
  • Obama administration
  • Unspecified
  • Federal News Service, Inc. (transcript of "America's Newsroom" interview with Senator Lindsey Graham)