New Cyber Security Center at DHS

Today, Voice of America News reports that the Department of Homeland Security has opened a new National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The center will be focused on averting cybersecurity breaches by hackers and state actors.

Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity and Communications, Gregory Schaffer, said that this center will improve the efficiency and effectivness of US cybersecurity measures.

NYT's Scathing Criticism of Obama's Use of Executive Power

Yesterday, the New York Times issued an Op-Ed piece criticizing the Obama Administration for continuing national security practices based on the Bush Administration's expansive interpretation of executive power.

The continuation of the Bush version of the State Secrets Doctrine, and delays in the promised closure of the Guantanamo Bay facility reflect a few examples of political and constitutional challenges facing the current White House. In many ways, the NYT piece reflects frustration with these challenges, as well as what many perceive to be a lack of Presidential will.

Senate Considering Extension of Patriot Act Provisions

Following the Senate Judiciary Committee's 11-8 vote to extend expiring provisions of the Patriot Act, the full Senate now looks toward extension of these same counterterror measures. For more on the specific provisions, and the related civil liberties/security balancing act, please click here.

Lithuania Yet to Decide on Guantanamo Inmates

Globalsecurity.org links to an article by the RIA Novosti news service, on Lithuania's delay to accept Guantanamo inmates. Dalia Grybauskaite, current Lithuanian President, insists that Lithuania's role in secret CIA prisons must be disproven before they will take in any Guantanamo detainees.

Ireland Aids United States in Relocation of Gitmo Detainees

As noted in tomorrow's online edition of the Irish Examiner, Hillary Clinton recently thanked Ireland and Taoiseach Cowen for assisting in the resettlement of two Uzbek detainees. Secretary Clinton pointed out that legal and financial factors have added to the difficulty of closing the facility by President Obama's goal date of January 22, 2010.

A previous NSLB posting has more on the logistical challenges facing the closing of Guantanamo.

Difficulties Facing the Closure of Guantanamo

As the Voice of America news agency reported earlier this week, Attorney General Holder has indicated that full closure of the Guantanamo detention center by late January of 2010 will be difficult. President Obama has previously asserted his aim to close Guantanamo by this date as part of his administration's effort to restore America's international image.

As US officials strive to meet this deadline, strong Congressional opposition to holding Guantanamo detainees on mainland American soil has likely made matters more difficult. Conversely, President Obama's recent acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize may have added to the political pressure supporting prompt closure of the detention facility.

For more on this story, please visit Globalsecurity.org.