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Omar Khadr: The interrogation

COLIN FREEZE AND KATHERINE O'NEILL

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 7:29 PM EDT 16/07/08

Footage gives first glimpse of Guantanamo Bay interview methods ...Read the full article

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  1. thorsten bredberg from port alberni, Canada writes: Let me se: The U.S. with the help of Canada invade a country in order to control and secure the flow of Opium and Oil and if the inhabitants of said Country fight back, they will be charged with a crime. That would be like the Russians invading Alberta to seize the oilfields and any Canadian fighting back, will be charged with being a terrorist. Wow, what a wicked world we created.
  2. Anti Fascist from Canada writes: BRING THIS CHILD HOME NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This person needs help, he is Canadian. What kind of lousy government and people would abandon this kid to that American hell hole?

    I am Canadian and I demand that his rights be vigorously enforced.

    YO! HARPER! snap to it!
  3. Howard Young from Canada writes: He showed his wounds from fighting Americans? Isn't that a bit damning?
  4. True Tory from Toronto, Canada writes: 'The largest portion of the eight-minute segment shows a sobbing Mr. Khadr with his head buried in his hands, repeatedly moaning 'help me, help me.'' ------

    Hmm. I've been listening to this clip all morning, and I could swear that he's saying 'Kill me, kill me.' Could Guantanamo Bay be affecting his mental health? GW said it was an ok place...
  5. H Chauhan from Toronto, Canada writes: Wrenching tapes?
    Are we supposed to feel sorry for him just because he appears to be in anguish over his own actions?
    He was not a 8 or 9 years old that he could not refuse to take part in an illegal act for a Canadian. Child soldiers are the ones who are taken away from their families, by their governments or rebel groups to fight on their behalf. Those government leaders and rebel leaders don't normally have their own children recruited. Those children are normally sent away to study in UK or US universities.
    Has any one bothered to record the anguish of the medic's children he has allegedly murdered?
  6. David Demchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: It now couldn't be clearer that Omar Khadr was no 'rampaging terrorist fighting for the enemy and for Jihad'...he was a bright and frightened 15-year-old youth, trapped by his family's beliefs and values, who was not capable of defying or resisting those who ordered him into battle, and no doubt would have been killed if he had tried.

    Everything about this entire episode is shameful, not least the supposedly professional conduct of the CSIS agents. True, they did not torture him. They also did not listen to him, did not help him, and callously dismissed the physical and emotional trauma that was amply evident before them.

    It is time to bring Omar Khadr home, to repatriate him, rehabilitate him and most of all to rescue him.
  7. Jason Naylor from Canada writes: Oh here we go, open the flood gate to all the haters in the world. This boy should be treated the way we expect our soldiers be treated. End of story. Bush has done nothing right, said nothing right and I can't believe people would side with him. Question: If the Allies didn't execute or imprison all the fanatical Nazi youth who killed Allied soldiers, why are we doing this to this boy? The US says, and the US never lies of course (you ever hear of My Lai) says he threw a grenade and yet the soldiers on the ground at the time contest that depiction. He was taken there by his father, he didn't fly off on his own.
  8. Max Nevill from Vancouver, Canada writes: I think Howard Young's point about being wounded by American soldiers shows some clear guilt. Basically, this kid is a traitor and shouldn't get any kind of special treatment. I suppose as a Canadian citizen he's entitled to some rights until proven guilty, but what do you do with a non uniformed fighter who doesn't follow the geneva conventions?
  9. Kevin Putnam from Toronto, Canada writes: Omar Khadr should be returned to Canada. Perhaps the previous Liberal government made a bad choice, but with all the new information and the U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Prime Minister Harper should worry less about his security credentials and recognize that Omar was a child soldier recruited to battle by a zealous parent. There is no value in beating up children unless you are playing to some 'tough on crime' constituency.
  10. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: Mr. Khadr should stay right where he is...in jail for having been accused of killing a U.S. soldier.
    This 'kid' and his family are part of the terrorism that's taking place in Afghanistan today and for which are soldiers are dying.
    The left wing lobby will try hard to put pressure on Harper and his government. However, he is a man of principle and he will not consider bringing Kadhr back to Canada until the trial is over and sentence has been passed.
    There is not much support for Khadr in the wider Canadian community. Read the blogs and the comments on the news reports.
    In the meantime the activists, the nut bars and the bleeding hearts will be yelling all kinds things at the government. Let's remember that for 4 years the Liberals refused to repatriate Khadr to Canada.
  11. Michael B from Canada writes: Since when is fighting in a war being a terrorist? The Americans invaded Afghanistan, and anyone fighting back is a terrorist? He is alleged to have thrown a grenade at a soldier - is this not acceptable soldiering?

    That aside, he was 15!!! There are international laws about child soldiers that the supposed leader of democracy is ignoring. Why are we so complicit in this? We were supposed to be the world's sober second thought - we don't have enough power to need to get more power, so we are ideally placed to actually adhere to a higher standard.

    The more often we as a nation are complicit in torture, the more we erode the very ideals that made us great, and the more we become what we should never become: American apologists. Mighty countries have mighty thirsts for power and wealth, and it is up to the smaller countries to try to hold them accountable as much as we can. Our neighbour has tasted the blood of those who oppose them, and they will be wanting more.
  12. Brian W from Burlington, Canada writes: That's what you get when you throw grenades at people.
  13. Michael B from Canada writes: H Chauhan from Toronto, Canada writes: Wrenching tapes? Are we supposed to feel sorry for him just because he appears to be in anguish over his own actions? He was not a 8 or 9 years old that he could not refuse to take part in an illegal act for a Canadian. Child soldiers are the ones who are taken away from their families, by their governments or rebel groups to fight on their behalf. Those government leaders and rebel leaders don't normally have their own children recruited. Those children are normally sent away to study in UK or US universities. Has any one bothered to record the anguish of the medic's children he has allegedly murdered? ***************** Actually he appears to be in anguish because he almost died from battlefield wounds, he has been abandoned by his family, his country, the law, and he hasn't been charged in anything. Who are you to say he is not a child soldier? If his parents force him to do a thing, and he's 15 (not even legally allowed to move out of his home), are you saying it's his fault for doing it? Do you seriously believe that people who have suffered the sadness of the loss of their father would want another victim? And that medic knew what he was getting into, it's called war, people die. So much about this stinks, and yet you show no mercy. Disgusting.
  14. Robert Boyd from Windsor, Canada writes: Pass the hat and get him a ticket 'home' and a nice position as a consultant at the CBC.
  15. A F from Canada writes: I agree with David Demchuk: this kid was brainwashed by his family. He suffered mental abuse. And at 14, when he committed his alleged crime, he was, according to Canadian law, still a child.

    Even besides all that, it is now clear that he was subject to torture at Guantanamo. That alone means we must repatriate him immediately.
  16. Roslyn Unhappy from Montreal, Canada writes: Why are Canadians such bleeding hearts? This sicko would have had no compunctions about killing as many Canadians and Americans as he could. He would have no remorse if they were children or elderly. He should stay where he is and be punished even further. What about our beloved brethern who are fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and being killed and maimed. My heart goes out to them not to this criminal! He may be a Canadian but he has no loyalty to our country and would like to bring it down! Frankly, to hell with him.
  17. DWAYNE JOHNSON from Canada writes: If he would have been in his early 20's when he did this , would you all feel so sorry for him ???? Face it he was in the wrong place at the wrong time , are his hands clean , hell no he was there to fight , now i wont justify America's actions , we all know they are insane , but he did shoot at them , and now he has to deal with them.
  18. Anton Norbert from Brampton, Canada writes: BRING HIM HOME.

    We are a just and a compassionate society. How can we allow this to go on ? There is no justice in Guantanamo, yet our elected Govt choose to back an illegal court. The Australians, British etc have taken their people out of illegal arrest and we choose to go the other way.

    If our fellow citizen has acted against the Canadian law then bring him to court here. If he hasn't then let him go. This is our justice system. Since when have we outsourced our justice system.

    This is not my Canada and I am outraged.

    Bring on the fall election. I will do my part.
  19. Toomas Parratt from Canada writes: As soon as his family moved back to middle east to fight against our soldiers in my opinion he gave up his Canadian citizenship. I say let the terrorist rot in jail for the rest of his life. This is war, not a picnic in the forest.
  20. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes:

    Crocodile tears... they'll reap a few suckers. Oh, I see a few are here already.

    He was caught and realized he would have to turn on the Taliban charm to try to get some sympathy from Canadians. It'll work, no doubt.

    'He showed his war wounds, which nearly killed him during a battle with U.S. soldiers six months earlier.'

    He was there, he was fighting, he needs to face the consequences.

    And, bleedy people, let's keep in mind that this 'Canadian' went to fight Americans in another part of the world.

    '... but suggests Mr. Khadr help him stay in Guantanamo.' Funny, I heard him ask if Khadr could help him stay in CUBA.

    Guantanamo is prison, CUBA is topless women and sunshine. Slight difference there G&M.
  21. Terry Quinn from Canada writes: While viewing a youngman in that situation is heart wrenching one must understand his fater took him there and he was killed while fighting with Al Queda. This kid may have been caught in a web but none the less his famiy was a full supporter of the terrorists. So, I cannot blame the Americans for their stance.
  22. Bob Loblaw from Canada writes: Although the US has handled this poorly, Kahdr is in a fix of his own making. I don't want Canada to be a haven for those that would committ criminal or terrorist acts and then flee back to our legal system. He is a US problem, end of story. Perhaps his parents should be subject to the Canadian legal system...
  23. Old Sam Dark and Dirty from Republic of Newfoundland, Canada writes: David Demchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: It now couldn't be clearer that Omar Khadr was no 'rampaging terrorist fighting for the enemy and for Jihad'...he was a bright and frightened 15-year-old youth, trapped by his family's beliefs and values, who was not capable of defying or resisting those who ordered him into battle, and no doubt would have been killed if he had tried.

    Everything about this entire episode is shameful, not least the supposedly professional conduct of the CSIS agents. True, they did not torture him. They also did not listen to him, did not help him, and callously dismissed the physical and emotional trauma that was amply evident before them.

    It is time to bring Omar Khadr home, to repatriate him, rehabilitate him and most of all to rescue him===========

    I agree with you that we should send him home on one condition. His whole family agree to return their Canadian passports and accept one way tickets to Afghanistan where they can go hapily live with their leader Osama. That is the only thing this family deserves from us
  24. Don Portz from Trochu AB, Canada writes: War is HELL. While I have some sympathy for this young person, I also question whether he was really duped into his actions. Even at his age he had the power to make the decision. However we all are influenced to some extent by our parents beliefs and our enviroment. I will suggest that there may well be less prisoners taken if he walks free.
  25. Howdy Hicks from The big smoke, Canada writes: Trial by TV - such an appalling publicity stunt by the legal team.

    It places Canada in an invidious position in the fight against terrorists. Who can trust us with confidences?

    Our well meaning nature has been manipulated, making Canada a safer for those that would destroy us.

    The world is shaking their head in disbelief at such flagrant stupidity by our judiciary.
  26. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Oh, cry me a river. Bet he wasn't this pathetic when he was trying to kill Americans. And for all those who think he's a 'boy' I know several 'boys' of 14 or 15 who could easily fire an AK-47 or lob a grenade.
  27. Daniel Cunningham from Victoria, writes: Bring him home already!
  28. Hector 3339 from Toronto, Canada writes: So when it comes to Canadian soldiers killing others in self-denfence in Afghanistan and they are taken by Afghan militants and so forth, why should we feel simpathy for them? Same with the Americans? When in the film 9/11 they -American soldiers- are spouting off that you can plug your discman and it's like watching a video game as they kill civilians. I suspect that the simpathy we feel for Canadians and Americans is all based on race. Since the image of American and Canadian soldiers is that of white boys, then it's ok to feel sad and horrified when horrific things are done to them by those savages in the third world defending themselves against an invasion. BUT, when it comes to a boy is not white then it's an act of savagery. War is war. A soldier is doing his job regardless of what side he is fighting for, and a soldier regardless of what side he is fighting on believes as he is being told as Canadians and Americans are told are doing the right thing. Why is it that this double standard is applied to whites only? If Canadians don't like war and it's outcomes, mainly that we all become targets, then GET THE TROOPS OUT. Our troops are needed in the Arctic to defend Canadian soverignty, but this isn't in the best interest of Americans whom we need to defend the Arctic from. And hence don't expect Harper to do anything about it. Let's even the score and set the white boys against the white boys. The civilized against the civilized. Then I'd like to hear about the vilification of Americans once they attack Canada for their interests. Once Canada become Iraq over water and the resources of the Arctic. That is if Steven doesn't serve it on a silver platter to the Americans. So how much more should we allow Steven to soil our name and values before we get him out. I wonder if his god will forgive him for this. In fundamental christian logic probably.
  29. Super Farmer from Canada writes: I hope his family is proud of what they've done to him - they're to blame. What if he had killed a Canadian soldier while fighting his jihad. What would the bleeding hearts have to say then?
  30. Phil King from Ottawa, Canada writes: The simple and undeniable fact is that what Canada and the US have done here is highly illegal, both by our own standards and the standards of international law. There are good reasons for these principles, and we ignore them to our own detriment.

    The difference between those who generate intent as adults capable of finding other avenues, versus a child with no freewill he can exercise is obvious; or should be.

    For our nations, I suspect this time period will be remembered as a deeply shameful and embarassing period framed by an in inexplicable hysteria that has robbed us of sense and humanity.
  31. Master T from Burlington, Canada writes: I don't know - is this abnormal treatment for an accused enemy combatant killer found in a hole shooting at American and Canadian soldiers?

    Sure, being held for 5 years with no charges being laid is despicable, but I saw no harsh treatment on those tapes in terms of violence or rough treatment.
  32. Mani Pulated from Bymedia, Canada writes: I suppose that there were many German WWII vets who killed Allied troops, that immegrated to Canada... Are we supposed to round up whats left and ship them off to prison camps?
  33. A Happier Place from Canada writes: Omar at this time was just a boy. This is so sad. He needs to come back to Canada and to go through counselling and child soldier rehabilitation. It's true what the Dept. of Foreign Affairs employee wrote - in his short life, his trust has been abused by everyone around him, including both his parents and his country. He had no one to protect him.
  34. Pete D from Canada writes: There were some 'errors' in the transcription of the video that I found to be telling. The child is heard to repeat, over and over, 'Kill me, Kill me', not 'help me, help me' as stated in the article. The other 'error' came when the CSIS agent states 'You look like you're doing well to me,', when in actuality he clearly states 'You look like you're healing well to me,'. This appears to be an exercise in journalistic subterfuge. In watching this child's interrogation I truly felt sickened. He may or may not have committed the crimes for which he is accused, the point is he was a child at the time, and he had been raised by fanatics. It's time for this boy soldier to come home and receive the rehabilitation he deserves, not the torture he is being subjected to. Locking-up a child is torture in itself. Stephen Harper and past governments are not our moral compass, they're an embarassment!
  35. Asterix M from Canada writes: Nothing wrong with this tape.

    The interogation is simple a,d direct. No violence, no torture.

    The kid is only crying because he is beaten. He was captured and must now pay for his crimes. No virgins in heaven for him.

    Many Canadians get a harsher treatment by their local police force when questionned or detained for a possible crime.
  36. enlightened redneck from Canada writes: What a horror. The boy was abused by his parents by way of their fundamentalist brainwashing and is now abused by the US and Canadian governments for their total lack of compassion or caring. What has happened is sickening.
  37. B. Goode from Canada writes: This is no way to treat a child. If this was done in Canada, the authorities would step in to protect him. Bring him home now.
  38. bob london from Canada writes: He is faking it!!!! Everyone try's this at home to see if Mom and Dad will be nice. He knows the bleeding heart boomers in Canada won't have the stomach for his 'suffering'. Boomers are tolerant of everything, murder, theft, rights violation of the innocent but don't tolerate the murder and rights violation of the guilty.
  39. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: Sleep depravation is torture? Let him rot.
  40. Brandan Matchett from Halifax, Canada writes: This poor soul got the crappy end of the stick from everyone.

    His family, his terrorist buddies, and now his country.

    After watching his brother praise the baby killers involved in 911 on the national news - is anyone surprised that he ended up where he did?

    I sympathize with him, but whoever grants him a pardon should agree to let him live in their own nieghborhood. See how safe you feel with him and his family living within striking distance of your family.

    No easy solution here.
  41. Ron Pacific from Victoria, Canada writes: Disgusting that we can treat a Canadian citizen that way. Every other civilized country in the world has brought their citizens home whereas here, we are throwing our citizens to the wolves.
  42. Laurent Beland from Montreal, Canada writes: Captured in 2002. This kid has been living in horrible conditions for the last 6 years, without facing the court of law. By now, he should be in college, enjoying what is left of his life tainted by war during his adolescence. With the help of fellow Canadians, he might have been able to develop into a decent young man.

    He is now scarred for life. And his suffering will not make that of the American soldier's family any lighter.

    Please, mister Prime Minister, save what is left of this young man from a hellhole he has been forced into since the beginning of his teenage years.
  43. V S from Oakville, Canada writes: Where are Bush and US haters? They should be out in droves. Sorry, my bad, they are all booking flights to A'stan and Iraq to improve the lives of the people in these countries and guess what OURS TOO!!
  44. Michael Bachan from Toronto, writes: Shame Harper Shame!! Grow a pair and bring this boy home. Why is it that the Brits and the Australians were able to bring their citizens home from Guantanamo but not us?
  45. Chris H from To, Canada writes: I find the analogy to child soldiers interesting. First of all, I believe Omar Khadr was twelve at the time this battle took place and 14-15 when he was sent to Guantonamo.

    If Mr. Khadr was a 'child soldier' as we understand the definition, he would be taken, put into care and rehabiliated. I believe the only difference between Mr. Khadr and a child soldier is this: child soldiers are typically kidnapped from their families by guerillas and forced to fight. Mr. Khadr had the misfortune of being born to extremist parents who were irresponsible and fanatic enough to raise their children to hate and then take an eight year old to war.

    I do not know what kind of man Mr. Khadr has become or if he can ever be rehabilitated - but I do think that Canada does have some responsibility to see that his unique situation is recognized and the appropriate actions are taken. His defence lawyer suggested he be brought back to Canada and slowly reintegrated into Canadian society. It seems to me if we do that there is a chance he can become a productive part of society - leave him there the only certain result is to breed resentment and create a sociopath.
  46. The NeoCynic from Cayman Islands writes:
    Yikes! The Khadr video is going viral. What a disgrace that Canada and its citizens will forever be associated in the eyes of the world as a nation of silent onlookers, who in the face of brutality, in the face of heinous child abuse, stood passive.

    A child citizen pleading 'Kill Me. Kill Me.' One has no doubt after seeing Harper 'shake hands' goodbye to his own children that he has no empathy nor sympathy for the suffering of a child. No doubt behind that porcine glutenous grin lies a callous sociopath. 'Tis a shame that as Bush defines what Americans are all about in the hearts and minds of the world, so too, does Harper, Bush's Prime Poodle, now defines us likewise in the world.
  47. talk to the hand from Canada writes: canadian values on parade.

    we have become a country that employs torture.

    does everyone feel as warm and fuzzy as i do?
  48. Mike........ Just Mike from Toronto, Canada writes: To all you people saying stupid things like 'So when someone defends their land from invaders they are terrorists' get a freaking clue. Omar sadly is a Canadian citizen. His country was not invaded. His entier family is to blame for where he is now. It's funny The Khadr clan hate Canada but demand due process for their little terrorist. I hate saying it but they are right. He is entitled to his rights as a Canadian citizen despite hating us. That being said I wish he and his family a life of misery. They deserve no less.

    He is now responsible for his actions and he will have to face the consiquences. The longer it takes for him to unfortunatley return the better.
  49. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: Jason Naylor wrote: 'Oh here we go, open the flood gate to all the haters in the world. This boy should be treated the way we expect our soldiers be treated. End of story. Bush has done nothing right, said nothing right and I can't believe people would side with him. Question: If the Allies didn't execute or imprison all the fanatical Nazi youth who killed Allied soldiers, why are we doing this to this boy?' I'm with Jason... teenaged soldiers are far from a new thing and I fail to see what makes this guy who may have thrown a grenade at a soldier (not even at a civilian) so much more terrible then the Nazis or various soldiers who've raped or mutilated civilians or any other young soldiers who've been captured over the course of history, that we need to throw out the rule of law and basic standards on how to treat enemy soldiers just for this one young man who's apparently the devil incarnate. Even people like Paul Bernardo get allowed a fair trial, time limits on how long they can be held without charge, visits from friends, and bare basic standards like sleep and medical care.
  50. The NeoCynic from Cayman Islands writes: Our child citizen pleading 'Kill Me. Kill Me.'

    Yikes! The Khadr video is going viral.

    What a disgrace that Canada and its citizens will forever be associated in the eyes of the world as a nation of silent onlookers, who in the face of brutality, in the face of heinous child abuse, stood passive.
  51. Archie 1954 from Vancouver, Canada writes: Canadians in custody in any foreign country should be guaranteed Ottawa's assistance. It should not matter what government sits at the time. Ideology should have nothing to do with it, nor should the parentage or religion of the Canadian in custody. I'm sorry but I'm looking at our Conservative Government in a whole new light. I can tell you this: they can run Attila the Hun against this government in the next election and I will vote for him. Our government does not warrant another term in office. They are ignorant, arrogant right wing ideologues who would subject children illegally held to torture and lengthy detention without access to habeus corpus. They make me sick.
  52. Stephen Green from North Saanich BC, Canada writes: The kid joined the terrorists, was caught fighting for the terrorists. That is the only evidence required. In the society he is from, it is ok for the young to be given weapons to shoot or bomb other people.

    I have no sympathy for this kid, nor his family who permitted his actions. Our government should not do anything what so ever in support of him.
  53. S.L. S from Small Town, Canada writes: He knew what he was doing at 15. Our society has to stop treating teens as if they're total idiots. They aren't obviously, they sure know how to use the system. This man, in paticular, is a traitor to this country. He chose to fight against us in Afghanistan, that's why he was there in the first place and don't be fooled by all the political and legal double talk. We're all familiar with his family and we all know EXACTLY why he was in Afghanistan. Being a traitor why is he continuously plastered all over the front pages of our newspapers and exactly why should I care what happens to him? If he does come back to this country I hope he's expediently tried for his crimes and if found guilty is punished with the current punishment on the books for the crime of treason. Personaly, I'd hate to see my tax dollars wasted on this piece of trash.
  54. It Is What It Is.... from Canada writes: Super Farmer from Canada writes: I hope his family is proud of what they've done to him - they're to blame. What if he had killed a Canadian soldier while fighting his jihad. What would the bleeding hearts have to say then?
    --------------------------------

    They would still defend him. Their love for muslim terrorists holds no bounds.

    Let him rot in prison and deport is worthless family back to the stone age.
  55. Joe Thorne from Canada writes: Nice to see all the armchair litigators and amateur psychologists come out of the woodwork. 'He's clearly brainwashed!', 'he's clearly disturbed', 'he was forced against his will to throw the grenade!', 'he didn't throw the grenade!', and my favourite: 'he was a soldier fighting Canadians, how can he be a terrorist?!'

    Not my Canada this, not my Canada that. MY Canada isn't supposed to be full of people using a 15-year old alleged murderer as cannon fodder against a war started by someone who isn't Stephen Harper.
  56. Dennis Petruk from Canada writes: Now let me get this straight. His family were and are Bin Ladin supporters, who are our enemy. They forced him to fight for our enemies against us.
    His father is dead fighting against us, after Jean Chretien used his Prime Ministerial powers to cut him loose from a Pakistani prison.
    That leaves his mother, who should be accountable for the way he ended up. And what do we do about her? Why we let her bad mouth us and give her welfare, free medical, free food..........

    Please tell me what's wrong with this picture?

    Pathetic really...........
  57. B . from Canada writes: He was found in Afghanistan doing things that he should not have been doing. He should be held accountable for his actions. I feel absolutely no sympathy for him. although I realize he needs to be tried and either convicted or set free - I think the citizenship status of his entire family should be called into question. It should be made legal to take away the citizenship of those who come to our country and join terrorist groups. 'Freedom' does not mean the freedom to cause harm or assist in causing harm to others.

    We need to straighten around our laws to bring them into line with current risks and problems.
  58. S.L. S from Small Town, Canada writes: Either post both sides of opinions on this or close comments. Don't be communistic and only post those who want to hug this little traitor for his appauling actions.
  59. Cris Ruziti from Canada writes: Lost in the mists of time is the name of that soldier, Sgt. 1st class Christopher Speer, who left behind a widow and family. Sgt. Layne Morris lost an eye in the same Afghanistan battle where Sgt. 1st class Speer was killed.

    In the brisk reportage following the release of the CSIS video, Canada Free Press (CFP) could not find a single reference to either soldier’s name.
  60. mike sty - from Canada writes: Why is Canada the only remaining country with a citizen at Guantanamo Bay?

    Harper has refused to call for Khadr's return, instead saying that Canada will leave due process in U.S. hands. Why does Harper support a country that violates international law and support torture??
  61. barry kushner from toronto, Canada writes: 'bring this poor boy home' Such garbage. Get in the real world. 20 years for murder. done. Next.
  62. The Central Screwtinizer from Ottawa, Canada writes: Appears to be similar in vein to the movie 'A Clockwork Orange'... albeit about a boy in a war zone caught with his hands in the cookie jar. Perhaps he knows the whereabouts and names of those who trained him, therein lies the intel 'they' want. He simply needs to divulge.
  63. Ron Pacific from Victoria, Canada writes: Did he really murder anybody? So - far that's just an allegation. It hasn't been proven. By the way, I think the Canadian government is setting itself up for an enormous multi-million dollar lawsuit that we'll end up paying for.
  64. Blasphemous Apostate from Cahones, Mexico writes: Anti Fascist from Canada writes: BRING THIS CHILD HOME NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This person needs help, he is Canadian. What kind of lousy government and people would abandon this kid to that American hell hole?

    ----------------------

    This kid knew what he was doing and now he is paying for it. Leave him to rot - he deserves nothing more! It's bad enough his scumbag family is allowed to stay in Canada.

    I guess you want our government to let all the poor, misguided terrorists into Canada so we can give them all a hug and let them know how much we love them....its people like you that are turning this country into an international basket-case. I hope that when the first suicide bomber in Canada pops his lid you will be standing next to him....maybe he will share some of his virgins with you.....
  65. LJ Brody from Canada writes: The US tortures and executes children. What a cowardly neighbour we have.
  66. gargi ganguli from montreal, Canada writes: Some reports state he is saying 'kill me' over and over again. The American MSM seems to practically be defending Gitmo, with some guy at MSNBC saying the interrogators appear sympathetic (really?) and that the tapes show no torture. CNN repeated the stuff about the tapes not showing any mistreatment. Well, the torture happened prior to the tapes being filmed - weeks of sleep deprivation, solitary confinement etc. It's weird how defensive the American media are getting, given the current anti-Bush political climate. Maybe it's because it took the Canadians to air the first such video?
  67. Mike Mike from Canada writes: G&M... I just have to shake my head. 'Wrenching' were the tapes of Daniel Pearl having his head cut of... THAT was wrenching. Something that Khadr and his brothers in jihad would like to do to all infidels. This was not wrenching. This was nothing more than a terrorist trying to cry his way out by appealing to SOBs like you and the rest of liberal terrorist loving media in Canada.
  68. Malba Talban from Canada writes: Just leave him there. I am not the least moved by his anguish. Moreover, his mother and sister could be there too with him. I think the CSIS agents were actually very (VERY) soft, as they could have been more abrasive if they wanted information. My feeling is that there is no information there left, so he could be very easily left there with NO detriment to Canada.

    It is a fact that he did engage in a fight which sought - as a grand objective - to destroy or bring down the way of life adopted in Canada. He has acted on it and will again act on it in Canada if given the chance. This rehabilitation talk is nonsense. Leave the guy where he is; he's being fed and clothed, fortunately not at my expense.
  69. Jacob J from Toronto, Canada writes: ' H Chauhan from Toronto, Canada writes: Wrenching tapes?
    Are we supposed to feel sorry for him just because he appears to be in anguish over his own actions?
    He was not a 8 or 9 years old that he could not refuse to take part in an illegal act for a Canadian. Child soldiers are the ones who are taken away from their families, by their governments or rebel groups to fight on their behalf. Those government leaders and rebel leaders don't normally have their own children recruited. Those children are normally sent away to study in UK or US universities.
    Has any one bothered to record the anguish of the medic's children he has allegedly murdered?'

    ---------------------
    Oh, so all of a sudden you are the foremost authority on international law and child soldiers? Can you show me where you read the definition of child soldier and why you think you can claim that he is not a child soldier?
    You said it best, 'allegedly'. That means that these are simply allegations that have yet to be proved in a court of law (not a biased offshore military tribunal) where he should have the fundamental, immutable right of proper defense and disclosure of evidence. Oh, but wait....he doesn't get the right to defend himself against these 'allegations' since those conventions don't apply there.
  70. Tor Sandberg from Canada writes: It doesn't matter what the bigots on this board say about Omar. They can speculate as much as they like about his guilt (never mind that his guilt is highly suspect, having been shot in the back, and with another soldier questioning whether it was actually him who threw the grenade), but ultimately it doesn't matter.

    He was a youth. He is a Canadian citizen. Harper and the Americans are breaking international law by not giving him a proper and timely trial - while being considered a YOUTH. His treatment has been absolutely disgusting - it embarrasses me to be a Canadian.
  71. gary wilson from Calgary, writes: Even more shocking is that he hasn't even been proved guilty of the initial charge. In fact, guilt looks like a long shot. There is signifcant testimony from US soldiers themselves that Khadr didn't throw the grenade. This is a human life here! A Canadian life! We'd better be a hell of a lot more confident this kid did something seriosuly wrong before leaving him in the hands of those savages. Unbelievable.

    What is our government thinking here? Where are the opposition parties?
  72. a brown from Out West, Canada writes: Omar Khadr needs to be brought home. Even if the fanatical right-wing reactionary zealots can't fathom the concept, he was a child soldier probably, as in most of thoise cases, not of his own choice. As such, under internarional LAW he cannot be treated as a warrior and certainly not as a P.O.W. And being labeled an 'enemy combatant' is only an American attempt to worm their way around the Geneva Conventions and its rules for handling prisoners of war. And even if he did throw a grenade that killed an American soldier (and that's STILL not proven) it does not warrant being held and tortured for seven years in an Ameirican gulag. The soldiers were walking around killing those around him...it was a close-knit battle scene. Since when does killing someone in battle become a crime that warrants seven years of detainment and torure. (Just last week, three American soldiers who clearly killed four Iraqi civilians were found 'not guilty' by an American military tribunal - the latest in a series of such 'unprejudcial judgments.' If anyone should be held for years it is these 'soldier' murderers.) This young Canadian needs to be rescued from his American torturers. The inaction by the Harper govenment is disgusting and sickening. But so was the response I heard from Bob Rae this morning. He said when Khadr was first sent to Gitmo and the Liberal government did nothing it was okay because he was 'an enemy combatant fighting us', but now the situation has changed (huh?) and he should be brought back to Canada. No, Bob, it was NEVER okay. Be a man. Admit the earlier Liberal government made a mistake but now it's time to make the correction, and act as every other western democracy has and demand the Americans release this young Canadian from their illegal island gulag.
  73. J. Bergin from Canada writes: There is a big difference between an Interrogation and an Interview. This tape shows an Interview, an Interrogation is an accusatory dialogue, Mr Khadr may be crying, but people cry when they are interviewed for being caught while shoplifting. Furthermore, if the interview was conducted when Mr Khadr, was a 'youth' why is it being shown publicly?
  74. G L from Thunder Bay ON, Canada writes: Wrenching tapes?WAAAAAA.I want my mommy who encouraged me at 13 or 14 to become a terrorist and throw hand grenades at American soldiers.All this sobbing will have little if any effect in a US Military court.He will be facing serious charges and will b e judged on the testimony of those military personal he was tossing grenades at.Again one has to ask how in the h-ll did this family ever gain admittance to our country?
  75. Dean Johnson from Canada writes: re: thorsten bredberg That would be like the Russians invading Alberta to seize the oilfields and any Canadian fighting back, will be charged with being a terrorist.

    I think perhaps unwittingly, you've hit the nail on the head with your error. If he's a Canadian in your example, then he's not a Canadian in real life.

    He should go home - to somewhere other than Canada.
  76. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Assume that Mr. Khadr is found guilty of some crime and that he is brought to Canada to serve his sentence and that he is subject to the same conditions for parole eligibility to which any other convicted person is subject. How is the parole board to assess his eligibility for parole, when his crime, as some allege, has been to participate in a vast effort intended literally to bring an end to the USA? Isn't that, after all, why some people believe the USA and Canada and others are in Afghanistan - to prevent the collapse of Western civilization? But to avoid such exaggerations and to consider parole from another perspective: If Mr. Khadr shows remorse for whatever crime he committed, is he not capable of becoming reintegrated into society, despite the charge that he may have been part of a plot to destroy our society? How can his remorse as an individual be separated from his involvement in that plot? I say it can be. If Mr. Khadr comes to Canada to serve his sentence, he must be given every opportunity to gain parole eligibility and to be treated fairly in the process. A criminal is not necessarily a criminal forever, and a terrorist (of whatever religion or ideology) is not necessarily a terrorist forever. Can we take the blinders off and see the truth of that?
  77. J. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: Khadr was the only one still alive in a room full of people. An American was killed and someone had to pay.... Whether he pulled the pin or not.
  78. Norman Petit from Calgary, Canada writes: Omar Khadr isn't the first youth to have his life co-opted by his parents' beliefs, and he certainly won't be the last. That fact does not excuse citizens of a civilized society from a moral duty to assist the weakest among us, including Mr. Khadr.
  79. hans dekkers from Vancouver, Canada writes: The young man is asked questions in a polite way. He is offered a meal. Reference is made to his proper and controlled behavior yesterday and his emotional state today. They switch the airco on for him. Make it clear that he lets his food get cold by not eating. They give him some space, by leaving the room. The lady suggests he puts his shirt back on, now that the fan is blowing.

    This video could have been taken in any room of a considerate school principal, confronting a student with the fact he cheated on his final exam.
  80. Rosy Rong from Canada writes: Since his guilt has yet to be proven, the only reason for his stay in the max security compound is that he offers information for the US.

    When has it ever been ok to pump a kid for information while denying him humane treatment?

    Isn't what this bullcrap 'War on Terror' is all about, for prevailing democracy?
  81. Mark S from Calgary, Canada writes: Please allow the rest of his family to join him in Gitmo.
  82. Wayne Colegate from Toronto, Canada writes: Like just about everyone, I have heard and seen enough about this guy to last a lifetime. I do not share the sympathetic view, nor do I see any reason for Canada to become involved in his situation.
    All the rallying cries because he is 'Canadian' are nonsense. Perhaps his birth and our deluded Charter makes him Canadian on paper, but ask a real Canadian what being a Canadian means ......your country is where your heart is, ...where you are at peace and feel protected, it is place for your soul to rest. A place you will fight to protect (if a real war ever happens along) a place you would never leave voluntarily. A Canadian who loves and respects his country does NOT involve himself in fictional wars, religious nonsense, and political upheaval which result in the death of other citizens.
    I say leave him there, he is no more Canadian then Bin Laden, let the US do what they will with him.
  83. Blasphemous Apostate from Cahones, Mexico writes: Only in Canada would people want to bring a terrorist into the country for a hug. The Charter has ruined us and made us delusional.....it will be our downfall. So, you may as well familiarize yourselves with the Koran as the Criminal Code will soon be replaced by Sharia Law.

    At least the bleeding heart lefties will be able to know that they honoured the Charter and made a foreigner feel at home....at least until their head is completely severed from their bodies....perhaps the last thing they ever hear will be some tribal chant along the line sof God is Great....
  84. Mr. Justice from Canada writes: What is the specific evidence against this guy ? Not just a sanitized 'summary' . . . what is the specific evidence ?

    Thanks.
  85. Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: Mr Harper where does your sympathy's lie, with Mr Bush or a 16 year old unable to defend himself. Your ability to use common sense seems to be lacking.
  86. Luis Yanez from Canada writes: And these countries (Canada and the USA) are always talking about 'human rights'......what hypocrisy!.........
  87. Terry F from Edmonton, Canada writes: Sure, it was all cool to join up with al Quaeda, wasn't it? Oops. The orange jumpsuit is rather sporty though...
  88. whatevah D from Canada writes: thorsten bredberg from port alberni, Canada writes: Let me se: The U.S. with the help of Canada invade a country in order to control and secure the flow of Opium and Oil and if the inhabitants of said Country fight back, they will be charged with a crime. That would be like the Russians invading Alberta to seize the oilfields and any Canadian fighting back, will be charged with being a terrorist. Wow, what a wicked world we created.

    couldn't have said it any better myself! well done.
  89. Another Option canada from Canada writes: Canada send a bunch of guys there to further interigate this kid. After I'm sure he has been through much worse. Rather than pull him out of there and bring him home and access the kid. Canadians caught up in legal desputes and prisons over seas get shafted ?? Just check Canada's track record for the woman who was in prison in Mexico. Or persons is Jail in China. They Don't do much.. I think if you want to travel the world these days it would be great to get a US passport. Beacuse it sure seems like the Canadian consolates over seas are for patronage positions and importing More tax payers under vise of 'sure your training will land you a job right away' I mean did we not just release a terroist from prison who was involved for blowing up a air plane with 200 Canadians on it ?
  90. john chuckman from Canada writes: It is just chilling to hear Canadian intelligence officers talking the way they do here.

    A child, an abused, broken child.

    There's a special place for people who can behave that way.

    It's called hell.
  91. roger h from Canada writes: 'the now-21-year-old, still jailed, but not convicted after six years.'

    what else needs to be said? He has been held for 6 years without being tried or convicted. 6 years! In Guantanamo! The prison where the Red Cross has reported war crimes/torture occurring. This boy, now an adult, whether guilty or not, deserved to have the rights of any Canadian (any human) and have a trial where the evidence against him was presented in a timely manner. A third of his life has been spent in an American hellhole without proper charges. Canadians have a system of laws and rights that are the bedrock of our society. Where were they for the last 6 years?

    Harper and CSIS you have some explaining to do.

    ps a new study (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/259/story/38773.html) shows that from large number of the detainees at Guantanamo were known or suspected to be innocent and that the Bush administration ignored the truth (what a surprise!) and left those innocents to rot (and be tortured). Could that be why it has taken so long for the US to charge any of its detainees?
  92. Jack Robertson from Toronto, Canada writes: Omar Khadr should have thought more about the possible consequences of his actions when he was making bombs and tossing grenades. His professed contrition now that he faces the possibility of life imprisonment is nothing more than an acting job. Unfortunately, the bleeding hearts of this country are falling for it hook, line and sinker. A trained and indoctrinated terrorist, Khadr is the author of his own misfortune and deserves whatever fate awaits him in Guantanamo. The Canadian government is right to wash its hands of him.
  93. Greg Smith from Canada, Canada writes: I am glad the globe and mail is so concerned about an individual you has fought against his own country.

    I wouldn't doubt the G&M would have been arguing for Hitler's fair treatment as well (if he hadn't shot himself).

    He was old enough to go to war...he is old enough to pay the consequences. Leave him there.
  94. Rose of Mississauga from Canada writes: I agree with David Demchuk. When you are told to go to war, you'd better well go or say good night to you and to your family. Treason would be best-case scenario. Both my grandfather and great-grandfather were sent to war (WWII and WWI respectively) and died in their 20s. Do you think they WANTED to leave behind a wife and small children?

    This situation cries foul from the beginning. Yes, maybe he did kill an american. Be honest, how many have the americans killed? Are the numbers even close?

    I despise terrorists and everything they stand for. However, a 15-year old kid who has never had any choice but to follow orders from his parents and authorities, should be cut some slack. For God's sake at least let him serve his time in the Canadian prison system.
  95. Maggie Now from Canada writes: H Chauhan from Toronto, Canada writes: Wrenching tapes?
    Are we supposed to feel sorry for him just because he appears to be in anguish over his own actions?
    He was not a 8 or 9 years old that he could not refuse to take part in an illegal act for a Canadian.

    ___________________________________________________

    What was he suppose to do go to the al-Qaeda/Taliban Children's Aid Society and complain about child abuse? He had to do what his parents forced him to do - fight the infidels who were invading Afghanistan – he didn’t know any better. The one who should be in Guantanamo is his fanatical mother who let her children be brained washed and are now suffering for the sins of the father.
  96. sam themacman from Waterloo, Canada writes: Let's see, six years in captivity, under 'controlled interogation' (nice cute name for non-lethal torture), a mid teen, who was conditioned by his family upbrining, fights to defend their ideals, when the USA invades Afghanistan, is seriously wounded in firefight, and allegedly (no proof) kills a US invader, and is taken to Quantanomo... six years... no charges... no proof... just proof that he fought to defend his ideals... and a Canadian... and we let this continue... who is worse, the US security forces and their paranoid NSA and Homeland Security types, or the Canadian government for doing nothing to bring the lad home?

    Hmm... I say this damn us, not the US. We are weak kneed allies and way to compliant to the USA. It is a sad commentary on our sad sack cave in government. This totally infuriates me!

    I spent 8 years in the Canadian infantry... this makes a mockery of my service to this country. I am ashamed that a Canadian, even one who naively fights for his ideals, is denied his fundamental rights as a Canadian citizen like this. I am so ashamed and disgusted with our government.
  97. Marty York from Canada writes: What is the point of this article? You interview people suspected of terrorism, it is not going to be pie and ice cream and a walk in the park.
  98. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: The guy was a young trained terrorist from a terrorist involved family and he is accused of killing a member of our allied military in a war in which we are engaged. Let him stand trial right were he is and, if convicted, face the appropriate penalties There were Hitler youth in WWII that killed allied forces and there a child soldiers among the Taliban butchers.

    This crap of playing to the bleeding hearts for some kind of sympathy is a bunch of garbage. If he was one of ours he would likely have been publicly beheaded before now. The last thing we need is to bring him here. He doesn't deserve Canadian citizenship or the rights that go with it. Next thing we know there will be a campaign to compensate him for his trouble.

    For the bleeding hearts that want us out of Afghanistan, stop dreaming up reasons to delay it. It is an honourable thing we and the other NATO forces are doing and the aim is to win it in the shortest possible time.
  99. Bart Farquart from Calgary, Canada writes:
    Anyone know if there are any media features, complete with video, on how the widow and three fatherless children of the medic Khadr is accused of killing are faring with their lives?

    Yeah, I didn't think so either.
  100. Chris Grimshaw from writes: I am so proud to be Canadian knowing that my government and its agents in CSIS are keeping me safe from brain-washed, traumatized, child-'soldiers.' I can sleep better at night. And then to have farmed out to the Americans the messy issues of guilt, evidence and justice. Brilliant.

    And to have the PM take a principled stand on human rights by not appearing on a podium for the opening ceremony to the Chinese Olympic Games, but refuse to take any action on a Canadian citizen imprisoned and tortured for years is awe inspiring.
  101. Just Hmmm from Canada writes: Tragic. We can and should do so much better. By stooping to the tactics of the terrorists they win.

    Canada should exert their independence with respect to Guantanamo, as so many other countries have done, bring him home and then have an insightful and intelligent conversation about what the next steps should be.

    We should all be shamed by our actions in this case.
  102. Ontario Man from Canada writes: I don't see anything wrong with his treatment. He is sad, yes, so what. He is sad because of what he did and the consequences of his actions.

    Most criminals are sad when they are caught.
  103. Bill Foonman from Jacksonville, United States writes: To net it out, the vast majority of Canadians fervently wish that the entire Khadr clan would just disappear from Canada and we never have to deal with them again.

    May it happen soon - Inshallah!
  104. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Time to hug a thug!

    Ahh the poor little innocent. Ahh his family was mean and f'd in the head. Bring him home for counselling. Here's a hug, there's a basketball court, now go play and no more terrorist activity ok?

    I'm feeling so warm and fuzzy right.
  105. Antonio San from Canada writes: Isn't that a bit rich to show this tape to obviously elicit pity or whatever political and public response that will serve in presenting Mr Khadr as a victim and of course not providing the other side of the story when Mr Khadr was armed, lethal and fighting US and allies troops? The Globe and Mail is therefore becoming judge and party with regard to this case and thus shows a bias incompatible with objective information.
  106. Cris Ruziti from Canada writes: Nothing on the video shows Khadr having been tortured or mistreated
  107. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Boo hoo. Let the US continue foot the bill in keeping this poor little innocent alive.

    I for one do not want Khadr back in Canada - in fact, I'd love to see his mother & sister kicked out of Canada. Canadians they are not.
  108. Charles the Great from Canada from Canada writes: Michael Bachan from Toronto, writes: Shame Harper Shame!! Grow a pair and bring this boy home. Why is it that the Brits and the Australians were able to bring their citizens home from Guantanamo but not us?

    Really
    I hope you remember when he was sent there it was a Liberal government
  109. Herb Martin from Prince George, Canada writes: The Americans had their chance-in a war situation he could have been shot and killed- but he wasn't. He was taken prisoner. The Russians kept German prisoners a maximum of 9 years after WWII. How long is this kid going to be kept in jail? There is even doubt that he was an active combatant, there is no claim he was guilty of any atrocities on par with those committed by German soldiers against the Russian populace. Harper (and some of the writers of these comments) should be able to show as much or more compassion than Stalin demonstrated.
  110. Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: I'm torn between... 'he shouldn't have been playing with the big boys in Afghanistan' and 'he's just a kid who may have made a bad decision'. If it's true that he threw a hand granade and killed a soldier, then so be it, but if he was innocently captured it's a damn crime to hold him.