Since the tragedies of September 11, the United States has come under increasing international scrutiny regarding the treatment of detainees.  Following military operations in Afghanistan and the transfer of those captured to the Guantanamo military base in Cuba, Amnesty International and other human rights groups have called for the U.S. to provide humane treatment of prisoners, and to adhere to international standards for their treatment.  Detainees at Guantanamo are housed in 6 X 8 foot chain link cages partially open to the elements, well below minimum international standards. 

Extraordinary renditions, secret prisons, and questions of torture have also been raised as concerns by the international and human rights communities.  Military tribunals are also at issue, because they allow prisoners to be tried without opportunity for appeal, offering only review by the executive who selected the individual for prosecution.  Military orders permit executions with only this review, without the right of appeal.  

It is understandable and important that the U.S. government strengthen security measures in the wake of the September 11 attacks.  It is imperative that human rights not be sacrificed in this process.