This was one of Obama's key promises. Within his first few hours of taking office, he halted all Military trials. He obviously places the utmost importance on this matter. He said he would shut it down and so there have been no surprises. He is doing as he said he would.As President, Obama has complete authority to do so and as the public were aware of his intentions, he really should not be critiqued.

It has already been decided that "17 Chinese Uighurs... will not face charges...and Uighur communities in the States are willing to accomodate them" . (D Orr, 'Obama is right to tread warily over Guantanamo Bay' http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/deborah-orr/deborah-orr-obama-is-right-to-tread-warily-over-guantanamo-bay-1488577.html, accessed on 22.01.2009). This is a positive outcome for some prisoners. If returning to their home country is not an option then rehabilitating them into communities where they are likely to adapt well seems like a happy ending to a grim tale.

This disgusting treatment of human beings should never have been allowed in the first place. Yes, the detainees may have committed atrocities but an eye for an eye does not work out. Five detainees have died whilst in Guantanamo Bay. The treatment given to detainees has been widely frowned upon. It would not have been morally right to allow this treatment to continue. In the light of the modern world, with its emphasis on equality and human rights, this sort of behaviour can not continue. Obama is right to disassociate his new Obama-Biden administration from such disrespect for human morals.

"Federal trial has proved far more efficient in dealing with terrorists than the military trials that have now been suspended" (2. ibid at 1). This statement speaks for itself. There was no need for inhumain torture or bad treatment of detainees. Those detainees still thought to be a threat will be tried in US Federal trials rather than the Military ones at Guantanamo Bay which gave supreme power to the military. Federal trial upholds the idea of separation of powers so that the military does not exert too much power or influence and it is leashed. This only seems fair. After all, there are many murderers and perhaps even, equally as culpable criminals who are put on trial throughout the world. These detainees should be givent the same treatment as others.

The idea behing Guantanamo Bay is completely out of line with the Euroean Convention on Human Rights. For example, the unlawful detention of people would breach it as would would inhumane treatment. Therefore it is wrong for such an establishment to exist within America. Obama should not have to carry on Bush's mistakes. Obviously America is not bound by the European Convention but America should know better. It is morally wrong on all levels to allow the existence of such a place.

As proved by the recent Gaza conflict, the only way to deal with international disputes is to act diplomatically. The military has an important role when needed but it does not mean that the role of the military should overspill into other areas. As such, this is the right plan of action to take in order to redress the problems associated with Guantanamo and Bush. By shutting down Guantanamo Bay, Obama is making a statement. His presidency will be much more different than Bush's. This is the right approach to take in order to repair America's relations with the middle East.

There can be no doubt that Obama was a very popular choice for President. By wanting to close Guantanamo within the year, he is showing outstanding ambition. By doing so he aims to uphold his morals. As such, he should be celebrated as one of the best role models of our time. He has a professional attitude and he is continuing along the same business. i.e. he is continuing to fight terrorism. However he plans to do it whilst sticking to his morals. This determination is something that American's along with others can aspire to be like.