I’m at Andrews Air Force Base waiting for a plane to take me to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to monitor hearings in the US Military case against Mr. al Nashiri, who allegedly masterminded the bombing of the 2000 USS Cole off the coast of Yemen. That bombing killed 17 US sailors and wounded many more.

The hearings this week are scheduled to focus on many issues, including the status of lawyers who were detailed to represent Mr. al Nashiri, who were ordered to appear at the hearings, but who do not appear to be here at Andrews for the flight. Our flight will carry many dozens of others related to the case, including the prosecutors, the judge and his staff, media, court reporters, interpreters and translators, security personnel, and guides and escorts.

I will plan to report back in from Cuba.

George Edwards

Director (Founding), Military Commission Observation Project

Indiana University McKinney School of Law