On Aug. 24, President Obama’s Special Task Force on Interrogations and Transfer Policies released an announcement that upholds a controversial policy concerning the interrogation of terrorism suspects known as extraordinary rendition.  To the chagrin of the human rights community, the administration has determined that it will continue the practice of sending these individuals to third countries for detention and interrogation.

Last week, the Obama administration quietly filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court that gives us a glimpse into the president’s interpretation of executive branch power.  Seemingly seeking to expand and protect this power, the administration argued that the state secrets privilege is “constitutionally rooted.” 

The House Homeland Security Committee this week considered legislation that would greatly reduce the risks and consequences of a terrorist attack on a chemical facility. The bill would enhance and reauthorize the flawed and inadequate existing security rules that are due to expire in October. It is crucial that Congress quickly pass and the President sign this security legislation so no more time is lost while millions of people are needlessly put at risk.

The Central Intelligence Agency is attempting to prevent the Obama administration from releasing a May 2004 Inspector General's report describing and evaluating the agency's treatment of detainees and interrogation practices, according to today's Washington Post.  A redacted version of about 12 paragraphs of text was released in May 2008 as a result of an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit.  The Obama administration promised a review of the IG report last month after the ACLU appealed the decision in that case.