Released Detainees Returning to Terrorism

According to a news article in the NY Times this morning about 1 in 7 detainees released from U.S. custody returned to terrorism or militant activity. The Pentagon prepared the report as long ago as January but withheld the release for fear of political repercussions.

Why is anyone surprised at this finding? Many detainees were held for good reason. Those men opposed the U.S. invasion and occupation of their sovereign nations for the same reasons any one of us in America might do the same. During their time of detention family members, friends, and community members may have been killed in ongoing military actions. No real resolution of the underlying social and economic problems in their native countries is on the horizon. What reason do any of these men have to turn to more peaceful ways?

We must find new solutions to every aspect of the current mess. There are not enough facilities around the world to imprison every person who harbors terrorist or militaristic ideas. A global solution must encompass social and economic changes to insure every human being on Earth has their basic needs met in terms of shelter and food. Every person around the globe deserves the same right to education and to healthcare as any other one. Until and unless we find ways to insure this equality we will continue to see the fight against oppression, occupation, and perceived abuse of one population by any other group.

Peace.