I think that one reason why Obama does not want to pursue the torture

[question everything]

either by an investigation committee or by releasing the photos, is because he wants to improve relationship with the Muslim world. Next month he will be visiting Egypt and last think he needs is to have those photos, in addition to Abu Ghraib ones, posted on local papers and on banners of protests "welcoming him."

I trust Obama to handle these abuses in his own way, away from headlines.

(or, I hope...)

[Bjorn Against]

1. It will not improve relations with the Muslim world to let this slide

The Muslim world knows that torture occurred, and they are going to protest against it especially if they believe that the US is trying to defend the people who committed those acts of torture. By not releasing these photos it will probably result in even larger demonstrations when he visits Egypt, they know these photos exist and they are going to be angry that our government is covering up their crimes.

[Fresh_Start]

4. agreed, witnessing that the guilty receive punishment

would add to our credibility. Hiding what was done and hiding how we handled it, will not.

[question everything]

6. We all know that a picture is worth... etc

I think it was on Bill Maher yesterday that we may talk about an "ass pyramid" but viewing that shameful photo from Abu Graib really sent chills.

At this point, I think it would be better to imagine the photos and not actually seeing them. Also, we have to show the Muslim world that we have our own system of law - which many of them do not, by the way - and we proceed in our own way, not letting anger and demand by interesting groups, including DUers, to determine the pace.

(Of course, I will never watch these photos; I never watched any of the videos of beheading and turned off TV for several days until all the photos of Sadam Hussein execution were replaced by new topics).

[Bjorn Against]

9. We are not showing them that we have a system of law when we cover up for the guilty parties

Torture is a crime, and covering up for torture is a sickening act of cowardice. We need to expose the criminals behind these acts and we are not going to expose them by asking people to "imagine" how bad they must be. You say have a system of law, but one of our laws is the Freedom of Information Act which is a law that you don't seem too interested in because under that law the public has the right to see what their government has been up to. We need transparency not imagination.

[Fresh_Start]

2. its so easy to give away other peoples rights

forgive me if I don't join you.

Government by and for the people, is a founding principle of our country.
The Freedom of Information Act is trying to support that principle by allowing the people to discover the acts of their government.

[Lex]

3. Yes, they will appreciate him sweeping it all neatly under the rug.

That will be a HUGE trust builder.

[The Magistrate]

5. Probably Something To That, Sir

There are a number of sound reasons for delay of something sure to be used as a galvanizing event by persons seeking to rally crowds against the United States in the Moslem world.

[John Q. Citizen]

7. i find when I want to improve relations that being secretive helps. People appreciate that.

North Korea is a perfect example. They have probably one of the best reputations around the globe.

"No news is good news" should be our policy too, so we can have the kind of relationships that North Korea enjoys.

I mean, you don't see them releasing pictures....

[polichick]

8. They'll just think he's like Bush if he suppresses things the way he did...

He's not going to fool them with a pretty speech, ingratiating smile ~ and the same ol' bullshit.

[PopSixSquish]

10. Perhaps He is Waiting Until After His Speech in Cairo

It will be interesting to hear the content of that speech...