The impending release of photos of US detainee torture, after the ACLU's successful lawsuit under the FOIA, have led Obama to indicate that the government will launch further appeals. This seemed to be a reversal of his expected response, and was very frustrating for those on the left who were pushing for transparency.
I have a slightly different perspective. I think Obama has made a very wise and calculated move in appealing the ruling. He has defused a great deal of criticism from those on the right by agreeing to proceed with an appeal, while at the same time the outcome will most likely remain unchanged in the end. Obama gets to have it both ways - he can act like the GOP wants him to now, and defuse their criticism, and after the appeals, the photos can be released anyway, mollifying the ACLU crowd.
This is a win-win for Obama, and a great example of how a brilliant politician can turn the tables when you least expect it. Pragmatism at its best.
Friday, May 15, 2009
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