In the News

Bush’s wartime powers again under review at Supreme Court

WASHINGTON – His wartime powers undercut once before by the Supreme Court, President Bush could take a second hit in a case in which Osama bin Laden’s former driver is seeking to head off a trial before military officers.

At stake is more than whether Salim Ahmed Hamdan, after nearly four years at the Navy prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, goes on trial for war crimes before a special military commission.

Analysts say if the high court rejects Bush’s plan to hold such trials for the first time since the aftermath of World War II, it could rein in the president’s expanded powers in pursuing and punishing suspected terrorists.

In addition to special military trials for Hamdan and others, the Bush administration since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has claimed it has the authority to eavesdrop on telephone conversations without court oversight, aggressively interrogate foreigners and imprison people without giving them traditional legal rights.

California demonstrations for immigrants’ rights continue

LOS ANGELES – Tens of thousands of immigrant rights advocates from across Southern California marched Saturday in protest of federal legislation that would build more walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and make helping illegal immigrants a crime.

The march followed rallies on Friday that drew throngs of protesters to major cities around the nation.

On Saturday, demonstrators streamed into downtown Los Angeles for what was expected to be one of the city’s largest pro-immigrant rallies. The crowd was estimated at more than 100,000, said police Sgt. Lee Sands.

Many of the marchers wore white shirts to symbolize peace and also waved U.S. flags. Some also carried the flags of Mexico and other countries, and even wore them as capes.

The House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border. The Senate is to begin debating the proposals on Tuesday.

Hong Kong firm to help screen U.S.-bound ships for terror threats

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong conglomerate that has won a federal contract to screen U.S.-bound cargo in the Bahamas for terror threats defended the plan on Saturday, saying it would not be feasible for American officials to work in ports across the globe.

Some U.S. lawmakers and security experts have expressed concern about the contract for Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. because American customs agents will not be working with the screening equipment, designed to detect smuggled radioactive materials.

The Hong Kong company is in the final stages of being awarded a no-bid, $6 million contract from the United States for screening at the Freeport Container Terminal in the Bahamas, just 65 miles from the American shoreline.

John Meredith, group managing director for Hutchison Port Holdings, the maritime subsidiary for Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. and the world’s largest ports company, said it would be impractical for American agents to work in every port that handles U.S.-bound cargo.

Meredith said the best option for the United States is to rely on trusted agents using sophisticated inspection equipment to scan shipments at ports abroad.

Nigeria agrees to hand over Liberian warlord to stand trial

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria announced Saturday it is ready to hand over Liberian warlord Charles Taylor to be the first former African head of state tried for crimes against humanity, making a reluctant move that will be a strong warning for other warmongers on the continent.

A U.N. tribunal accuses Taylor of instigating horrific wars that destroyed two West African nations, killed 1.2 million people and left millions homeless and maimed. He also allegedly harbored al-Qaida suicide bombers who attacked U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

Taylor has been living in exile in the southern Nigerian city of Calabar since being forced from power under a 2003 accord that ended a rebel assault on Liberia’s capital. Many African leaders are leery of trying former presidents or dictators, apparently worrying they could be the next to be accused of human rights abuses or other crimes. Others fear a push to try toppled leaders would encourage those in power to more fiercely resist democratic change.