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Writing about the serious flaws in American justice a la the “war on terror” is not especially easy. Where does one begin? From Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib to the secret CIA detention facilities scattered across Eastern Europe - there is surely an abundance of outraging cases of Orwellian malfeasance.

One case in particular has been on my mind recently… In Iraq, an Associated Press (AP) photographer name Bilal Hussein has been in U.S. custody for the last 19 months. During this time, no charges were issued and only now has the United States even raised the issue of his possible prosecution for alleged links to terrorism. The evidence for these links, of course, is secret… and even the possible charges have yet to be clearly defined.

“The judicial vagueness surrounding this case is disturbing and unacceptable,” the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said in a statement. “Hussein’s lawyers will have to appear in court without being able to prepare their client’s defense as the U.S. authorities refuse to say in advance what evidence they have.” <<< more

Even more disturbing, the Pentagon has announced it may continue to hold Hussein - even if he is acquitted of all charges in Iraq. This racist arrogance is simply stunning.

According to Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman:

“Provisions allow for somebody to be held as a security detainee if it’s determined that they continue to be a threat to coalition forces or to the Iraqi people.” <<< more

He added, “Essentially the Iraqi court system is composed of puppet judges that we have installed to provide the semblance of Democratic institutions. They are certainly not qualified to determine the risk of a threat to American security. Besides, they are possible terrorist themselves.”