American Rendition Torture Program At Guantanamo Bay

"Guantanamo Bay is the anti-Statue of Liberty." ~ Thomas Friedman

"Remember when Obama was campaigning? Didn't he say he was going to close Guantanamo Bay? Didn't he say that? Apparently, he just meant for renovations." ~ Jay Leno

"Shouldn't the American leadership be addressing what is happening in America, with its domestic policies on racism, discrimination, illegal monitoring, solitary confinement, torture, Guantanamo Bay and any other social and political issues related to the American society not directly connected to Islam? American Muslims must speak out and be involved as well in international policies and, through their institutions, they should raise their voice. This is the way you serve the community." ~ Tariq Ramadan

For over 20 years, Guantánamo Bay has been a symbol of injustice and unchecked power.

This U.S. military base in Cuba is where people, most of them from the Middle East or North Africa, have been held without being charged with crimes or given a fair trial. While the U.S. government says the facility is humane and respects human rights, the reality for detainees is far from what they claim.

Guantánamo became a key part of the "war on terror" after 9/11.

The U.S. insists that detainees have access to lawyers, live in decent conditions, and can contact their families. But behind these claims is a darker truth. People are treated in ways that strip them of their humanity, causing deep suffering. A 2022 United Nations investigation revealed the harsh treatment many detainees still endure, showing us the wide gap between what is said and what actually happens.

Detainees at Guantánamo are often not even called by their names but by serial numbers, like an internment camp.

They are watched constantly and reminded every day that they have no power. While the government has made small improvements, like better food and sleeping arrangements, these changes don’t address the deeper problems. Many detainees have been imprisoned for decades without a trial, which violates basic human rights.

The CIA’s secret torture program, which was heavily used after 9/11, is another terrible part of this story.

Detainees were subjected to waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse. These methods have left lasting scars—both physical and mental. Many detainees suffer from conditions like PTSD or brain injuries, yet they don’t receive proper medical care. A UN investigator even asked the U.S. to apologize for this, but the issue remains unresolved.

The damage doesn’t stop at Guantánamo.

These actions have hurt America’s image worldwide, fuelling resentment and anti-American feelings. Worse, other countries now point to Guantánamo to justify their own human rights abuses. For example, China’s treatment of Uyghurs and some Middle Eastern governments’ detentions have drawn parallels to how the U.S. acted at Guantánamo. By setting this precedent, the U.S. has made it easier for others to follow suit.

Even when detainees are released, their struggles don’t end. Many don’t have citizenship or passports, leaving them stateless. They face discrimination, have trouble finding jobs, and often can’t access basic healthcare. Some even die in countries where they are resettled because of poor living conditions or lack of support.

Guantánamo Bay forces us to think about the balance between security and human rights.

In trying to protect itself, the U.S. has betrayed its own values and weakened the rule of law. GITMO shows how unchecked power can harm not just individuals, but the principles a nation stands for.

This is a moralistic tale about what happens when fear takes control of justice.

We must learn from these mistakes to ensure they don’t become a pattern for future generations. If we don’t, the story of Guantánamo could repeat itself in other places, leading to even more innocent human suffering.