Why Does Obama Want to Bring Terrorists to New York for Trial?

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday that 5 alleged 9/11 terrorists are being brought to New York for their trials.  They are not being tried by a Military Tribunal in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  It seems fitting that they would be, given that their crimes were war crimes.  Instead, they will be tried in a civilian court.  The courthouse where the alleged terrorists are to be tried is about 1,000 yards from the World Trade Center Site.  The 5 accused will likely have multiple chances to admire their handiwork.  

Security in the middle of Manhattan is difficult on a good day, imagine a day with 5 alleged terrorists in attendance.  This likely enlarges an already large target on New York City.  In addition to the security issues some families of victims are finding the decision to be insensitive.    

The men on trial include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.  One of the very legitimate fears is that US Intelligence information will become public, while we are in the midst of war.  This could seriously jeopardize American lives. 

This trial is going to be an absolute circus.  It's the improper forum and making it such a show puts New York at risk as well as the rest of the country.  It seems that having a public trial is less to the benefit of the victims or the accused and more to the benefit of someone who wants to be a hero,  someone who needs his ego fed.  It almost equates to the days of the public hangings.  Our Military Tribunals are honorable and to imply that they are somehow inferior by trying these defendants in a civilian court is divisive.