The Evolution of Guantanamo Bay: A Step toward Closure
The US Department of Defense (DOD) recently announced a pivotal moment in the history of Guantanamo Bay. On Monday, January 8, 2025, the DOD transferred 11 Yemeni detainees to Oman, marking a notable reduction in the detention facility’s population. This move is part of a broader effort to close the controversial prison, which has been a symbol of international scrutiny and debate for over two decades.
A Decision rooted in Consensus
The transfer was facilitated by the Periodic Review Board (PRB), which “steadfast by consensus” that the continued detention of these individuals under the law of war was no longer necessary. According to the DOD, the detainees no longer posed a significant national security threat, and any potential risks could be adequately mitigated.
Among those transferred was Sharqawi Abdu Ali Al Hajj,a man who had been held for 23 years without being charged with a crime.The Centre for Constitutional Rights (CCR) revealed that Sharqawi endured torture by the CIA before being sent to Guantanamo in 2004. His story is emblematic of the facility’s controversial legacy,as he conducted multiple hunger strikes to protest his indefinite detention.
Amnesty International welcomed the DOD’s decision, urging President joe Biden to expedite the transfer of remaining detainees who have not been charged.
The Road to Closure
The recent transfer is part of a long-standing effort to close Guantanamo Bay, a goal first set in motion by former President Barack Obama. In 2009, Obama issued Executive Order 13492, mandating the closure of the detention facilities. Two years later, he signed Executive order 13567, establishing the PRB to review detainees’ cases and determine whether their continued detention was necessary for national security.
The PRB’s role is critical.It provides an administrative process to assess each detainee’s status, recommending either continued detention or transfer.This process has been instrumental in reducing the prison’s population, which now stands at just 15 detainees—half the number before the recent transfer.
A Legacy of Controversy
Guantanamo Bay was established in 2002 by President George W. bush in response to the 9/11 attacks. Located at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba, the facility has faced relentless criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies. The United Nations Human Rights Council has repeatedly called for its closure, citing widespread allegations of torture and human rights abuses.
The recent transfers to Oman follow the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia and the release of two detainees to Malaysia in December 2024. These actions underscore the Biden administration’s commitment to closing the facility, a promise that has been decades in the making.
What’s Next for Guantanamo?
The recent transfers are a step in the right direction,but challenges remain. The remaining 15 detainees include individuals who have been deemed too dangerous to release, as well as those awaiting trial. The path to closure will require careful navigation of legal and diplomatic hurdles.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will Guantanamo Bay finally close its doors, or will it remain a lingering symbol of a post-9/11 world?
Key Milestones in Guantanamo’s History
| Year | Event |
|——|——-|
| 2002 | Guantanamo Bay established by President George W. Bush |
| 2009 | President Obama issues Executive Order 13492,ordering closure |
| 2011 | Executive Order 13567 establishes the Periodic Review Board |
| 2024 | Two detainees transferred to Malaysia |
| 2025 | 11 Yemeni detainees transferred to Oman |
The story of Guantanamo Bay is far from over,but each transfer brings us closer to its eventual closure. What are your thoughts on the future of this controversial facility? Share your perspective in the comments below.
