Detroit Free Press: Nation needs review of anti-terror tactics

Nation needs review of anti-terror tactics
May 31, 2009



"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it," philosopher George Santayana warned.

But how are lessons to be derived from history that is in dispute?

Therein lies the value of an independent review of just what America's leadership did from 2001-08 in the name of national security and just how well it worked.

This is not about sending policymakers to prison, but rather about establishing the facts of what was done and any outcomes -- good, bad or inconsequential -- that could offer useful lessons to leaders confronting terrorism now and in the future.

A congressional inquiry led by lawmakers with partisan ambitions and agendas is precisely the wrong way to pursue such an inquiry. An investigation by prosecutors intent on developing criminal cases would not be much better, and could easily devolve into prolonged legal skirmishing over claims of executive privilege and the rights of the accused. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090531/OPINION01/905310449/1069/OPINION/Nation+needs+review+of+anti-terror+tactics