Daily News Article - May 8, 2012
1. For what reason has the Obama administration secretly been releasing captured Taliban fighters from a U.S.-run military prison in Kabul, Afghanistan?
2. a) Under what condition are the imprisoned Taliban fighters released?
b) From para. 4: A U.S. official told the Post: "Everyone agrees they are guilty of what they have done and should remain in detention. Everyone agrees that these are bad guys. But the benefits outweigh the risks." Do you agree with this U.S. official? Explain your answer.
3. a) Why has the Obama administration been able to secretly release these prisoners?
b) If approval was not needed from Congress, do you think the administration would release Gitmo prisoners? Explain your answer.
4. What did President Obama say during his visit to Afghanistan last week about attempting to establish peace with the Taliban?
5. What does the Taliban demand from the U.S. before beginning any type of peace negotiations?
6. Read the "Background" below.
a) How effective do you think releasing Taliban fighters will be in establishing real peace with the Taliban? Explain your answer.
b) What do you think the U.S. should do to end Taliban violence?