The Department of Justice has strenuously argued that it could not release the names of detainees - even those who had not been charged or accused of terrorism - because doing so would harm national security. In a sworn affidavit, James Reynolds, then a top Justice Department official, argued that when people detained as part of a terrorist investigation are publicly identified, "terrorist organizations with whom they have a connection may refuse to deal further with them. This could eliminate valuable sources of information for the investigation. It would similarly impair the government's ability to infiltrate terrorist organizations engaged in ongoing criminal activities."[1] Apparently, this does not apply if the disclosure suits the administration's political agenda.

Last week, the administration was desperate to justify their decision to raise the threat level to orange in three states based on activity that occurred over three years ago. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice admitted yesterday that the administration - during a background briefing to reporters - identified Mohammed Naeem Noor Khan as the source of the information that prompted the terror alert.[2] According to Reuters, Khan "had been actively cooperating with intelligence agents to help catch al-Qaida operatives when his name appeared in U.S. newspapers"[3] His identification by the administration likely "cost the United States a valuable source."[4]

Sources:

1. "James Reynolds Affidavit," Chief, Terrorism and Violent Crime Section, Criminal Division, DOJ, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1208987&l=49605.
2. "CNN Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer," CNN, 08/08/04, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1208987&l=49606.
3. "Pakistan: U.S. Blew Undercover Operation," MSNBC, 08/06/04, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1208987&l=49607.
4. "U.S. Says Man Had Ties to Plot to Disrupt Vote," New York Times, 8/8/04, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1208987&l=49608.

Topplebush.com
Posted: August 17, 2004