Chinese Muslims held at Gitmo may be released into U.S.

[bigtree]

04/24/2009



Obama is considering settling several Uighurs in U.S. communities.

The Obama administration is preparing to free into the United States several Chinese Muslims imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the first release of any of the detainees into this country, current and U.S. former officials said.

The release is seen as a crucial step to plans announced by President Barack Obama during his first week in office to close the prison and relocate the detainees. Administration officials also consider settling some of the detainees in American communities a vital step to setting an example for the world.

However, the decision to release the Chinese Muslims, known as Uighurs, (pronounced WEE-gers) is not final and faces challenges within the government, as well as likely public opposition.

As well, the move would incense Chinese officials, who consider the Uighurs domestic terrorists and want those held at Guantanamo handed over for investigation. U.S. officials no longer consider the Chinese Muslims to be enemy combatants and fear they would be mistreated in China.

read more: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12215081

[MADem]

1. They're likely on their way to becoming CIA assets, if they're not that already. NT