U.S. sends Saudi detainee accused of link to 9/11 home from Guantanamo
NBCSep 11, 2021
US Repatriates Afghan Held at Guantánamo for 15 Years
Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via The New York Times]
The Facts
Afghan national Asadullah Haroon Gul, also known as Haroon Al Afghani, was released to Taliban custody on Fri. after being held at Guantánamo Bay without trial since 2007.
Gul grew up in a refugee camp in Pakistan and was allegedly part of an extremist group the US used to consider an al-Qaeda associated force, the Hezb-e-Islami/Gulbuddin (HIG), now known as Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA).
The Spin
Right narrative
Prisoners at Guantanamo are dangerous terrorists and they shouldn't be given the opportunity to return to the battlefield. They have dedicated their lives to attacking the US. Biden's misguided policies pose a serious risk to national security and the security of US allies.
Left narrative
Even former Afghan president Ghani petitioned the US to release Gul. The US had to adhere to a court order and received security guarantees from the Taliban. This won't make the country any less safe.