This week the Obama Administration has an opportunity to restore the credibility of the Department of Justice to uphold the rule of law with regard to the recent history torture and killing of prisoners under interogation. How can the DOJ be encouraged - if not pressured - to declassify key documents which may establish the chain of accountablity for such violations of international laws and treaties?
Yesterday's NYT Sunday issue features on the front page - below the fold - a Scott Shane report and analysis of CIA Director Panetta's memo, below. See "Administration Is Debating Release of Interrogation Memos", link here. Shane's NYT report emphasizes the assertion of immunity for those who apparently committed torture and killed prisoners - under a legal umbrella provided by Bush, Cheney, Ashcroft, Yoo, Gonzalez et al.
Those BushCo DOJ legal opinions which allegedly absolve the interrogators remain classified pending a decision (reportedly due Thursday this week). Many, including some in the new administration, want to declassify them so that a chain of accountability may be established – and justice pursued. Opposing release, according to the report, others and the CIA argue that counterterrorism methods and morale would be damaged by such pursuit of justice. The NYT provides ample quotes and context in support the continued classification of this evidence.
Ironically, - on the very same page - the right hand lead feature above the fold descibes a push for amnesty by Mugabe's military brass for heinous acts of repression, in a piece that features absolutlely none of the restraint, justifications, rationalizations or excuses so central to Shane's report.
Note that amnesty, as sought by Mugabe's thugs, is not the same as the immunity from investigation sought by Cheney's people.
This Easter front page will be an interesting artifact for those who someday analyze the role of the liberal NYT, and more broadly the MSM - the 5th estate - in promoting the USA Empire's particular flavor of exceptionalism.
The parades, parties, receptions are long over. The first world tour went well. A pod of pirates has been neutralized. It even seems we have a First Dog. Great stuff.
Now comes substance. Here's hoping... yes, we can.