Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2014

How To Close Guantanamo

November 2012

Human Rights First

Abstract

Nearly four years ago, President Obama signed an executive order committing to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. At the time, there was significant bipartisan consensus, supported by the nation’s top national security officials, that Guantanamo undermines U.S. national security and compromises American values. Closing Guantanamo is a signature issue for the president’s legacy, and it can be accomplished in his second term.