(images from the BBC website) 

THE CAMP X-RAY (CAMP DELTA) DEBATE

These pages are meant to provide you with a variety of opposing sources regarding Camp X-ray, one of two detention centers in Cuba's Guantanamo Base. Currently, there are over 500 prisoners held in either Camp x-ray or Camp Delta, all of whom are suspected of terrorist involvement. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of these prisoners, while other groups maintain that such detention centers are necessary for national security.

As you read the following articles and article excerpts, answer the following questions:

1. What is the source of information? (CNN? ALTERNET? The New Republic?)

2. Does the source have a bias? (is it a commercial news source--i.e. news that sells? Is it a source that reflects extreme liberalism? Is it a source that reflects extreme conservatism? Is the source neutral?)

3. Is there such a thing as a "neutral" news source? Why or why not?

4. In terms of your writing assignment, which is to determine if such detention centers have crossed the line of "obedience to authority," which articles suggest that Camp X-ray has gone too far? Which articles suggest the contrary--that such camps are in line with necessary conformity?

5. In your opinion, does the treatment of prisoners at Camp X-ray violate the terms of the Geneva Convention?

<<sources>>

<<back to assignment>>