Legality of War in Iraq and Suspect Interrogation Techniques

Post 911 and the Iraq war, the United States now faces the dilema of whether to conduct an investigation into the legality of the war in Iraq, the interrogation of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Grab, and the rendition of terrorist suspects to third countries for interrogation. If found to be illegal, those in the previous adiministration responsible for the illegal acts may be prosecuted.

The victims of the war in Iraq, terrorist suspects, and individuals prosecuting the war and interrogation techniques all have unalienable rights, subject to judicial review, according to the following clause from the Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".

This clause is the basic tenet of the United States Constitution.

Because of the volatile and political nature of the issue, if it is conducted, the risk in the short term is that the investigation, and possible prosecution will tear the country apart.

If it is not conducted, the risk in the long term is that the basic tenet of the United States Constitution is violated.

This is a real dilema. It is a test of the United States constitution and a test of the greatness of the country.

The world is watching with interest.