Guantanamo Bay: A Legal and Ethical Quagmire for the US

Baybay City, Philippines – September 27, 2025 – The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, continues to cast a long shadow over the United States’ global image. Established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks to house enemy combatants, the legality and ethics of indefinite detention without trial have been fiercely debated for over two decades.

Enemy Combatants vs. Prisoners of War:

The US government classifies many detainees at Guantanamo Bay as “enemy combatants,” a designation that excludes them from the protections afforded to prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. Critics argue that this distinction is a legal fig leaf, created to justify indefinite detention without due process. Many detainees were captured fighting in Afghanistan, a country the US invaded. They argue, how would American citizens react if a foreign power detained them for defending their homeland without a uniform?

Human Rights Concerns:

The use of harsh interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, at Guantanamo Bay has further fueled international condemnation. These practices raise serious questions about the US’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Global Repercussions:

The ongoing operation of Guantanamo Bay has significantly tarnished the US’s reputation abroad. It has been a rallying point for anti-American sentiment and eroded trust in the US’s commitment to upholding international law.

The Security vs. Liberty Debate:

The detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay sits at the heart of a larger debate about the balance between security and liberty in the fight against terrorism. The US government argues that such measures are necessary to protect the country, but critics contend that they undermine the very values the US seeks to defend.

The Road Ahead:

The future of Guantanamo Bay remains uncertain. Calls for its closure have grown louder in recent years, with international organizations and human rights groups urging the US to shut down the facility. The ongoing legal and ethical questions surrounding Guantanamo Bay will likely continue to be a source of controversy for years to come.

This is a developing story. WPS.News will continue to provide updates as they become available.