Terror Trials, Iran's Nukes & National Security

There's still a lot of confusion over exactly what will happen to the 9-11 terror suspects and how they will face justice.  As you know, we believe the proper forum for terrorism suspects is bringing them to justice before military tribunals - not civilian trials.  And, that's exactly why we are supporting important bi-partisan legislation put forth by Senator Lindsey Graham that would bar the use of federal funds to finance 9-11 terror trials in civilian courts.  

Attorney General Eric Holder says while he has to remain 'flexible' on the decision regarding where to hold the trials of 9-11 terrorism suspects, here's what he told the New York Times:  I have to do a better job in explaining the decisions that I have made. I have to be more forceful in advocating for why I believe these are trials that should be held on the civilian side.

The fact is that the Attorney General doesn't need to be more 'forceful' in explaining his reasons for advocating civilian trials.  He needs to reverse course and put these terror suspects before military tribunals.

And, what's even more disturbing is a fresh report from one of President Obama's top national security advisors who acknowledged that a number of terror suspects who have been released from Guantanamo Bay have actually returned to pursuing terrorism - something that is not only very troubling but unacceptable. 
 
In responding to questions about the fact that some GITMO combatants who have been released have returned to terrorism, John Brennan compared the recidivism rate of terrorists to that of common criminals. 

Here's what Brennan actually said:  "People sometimes use that figure, 20 percent, say 'Oh my goodness, one out of five detainees returned to some type of extremist activity.'  You know, the American penal system, the recidivism rate is up to something about 50 percent or so, as far as return to crime. Twenty percent isn't that bad."

That is simply outrageous and with comments like that it's easy to understand why there's growing concern in Congress and even more calls from those in the House and Senate to replace Brennan.

Of course, this debate over how to try terrorism suspects is occuring at the same time the United States is turning up pressure to impose crippling sanctions against the nation of Iran, which continues to aggressively develop its nuclear weapons program.  Just days ago, the president of Iran boasted that his country is now a 'nuclear' nation.  There's grave concern among those in the world community and now a concerted push to impose crippling sanctions against this nation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a personal trip to Russia to urge the Russian president to do just that - join with other nations in sanctioning Iraq. 

All eyes are on China - and what will happen with that nation, which is Iran's largest trading partner. 

The American people understand the threat posed by a 'nuclear' Iran.  And, the world knows that nuclear weapons in the hands of the radical leadership of Iran would pose a serious global threat.

There's so much at stake and that's why if you haven't had an opportunity yet to add your name to our Demand Letter urging President Obama and the United Nations to impose crippling sanctions against Iran, please take a moment to do so now.

Add your name here.