Chaplain: Detainees show wide range of emotions

U.S. Navy Lt. Abhena Sais Ul Islam

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(CNN) -- The U.S. military is holding hundreds of al Qaeda and Taliban detainees at Camp X-Ray in at its Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. One man -- Navy Chaplain Lt. Abhena Sais Ul Islam, a Muslim cleric -- has been speaking to them. CNN's Jason Carroll talked with him about the state of the detainees.

CARROLL: What' the first thing you say to them when you meet?

ISLAM: I say to them, "Peace be with you," and they respond, "You're a Muslim?" And I say, "Yes." They say, "There are Muslims in the American military?" And I say, "Yes."

CARROLL: The latest round of detainees came in this past Friday. Have you had an opportunity to talk to them?

ISLAM: Yes, I saw them. I went to each block. Some of them were very happy.

CARROLL: Happy?

ISLAM: To see me.

CARROLL: Oh, to see you.

ISLAM: Some indicated they were happy to be here rather than Kandahar.

VIDEO CNN's Jason Carroll reports on a U.S. military chaplain who is providing spiritual help to many of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (February 18) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

CARROLL: Islam says some of the detainees have complained about their outdoor cells. Some say they are depressed. Some say they are afraid.

ISLAM: Mostly they ask me about what is going to happen to them under the circumstances. That is the main fear, not knowing what is going to happen.

CARROLL: And what do you tell them?

ISLAM: At this moment I don't have an answer. I don't think anybody has an answer.

CARROLL: I know you said there is sadness among the detainees. Is there also anger?

ISLAM: Yes, there is some anger, sadness, a combination of all.

CARROLL: Those who are angry, what do they say?

ISLAM: I can't go into specifics.

CARROLL: In general, then?

ISLAM: Well, sometimes they took the wrong decision. They are angry with themselves.

CARROLL: Wrong decision by?

ISLAM: By going into Afghanistan and being involved by some of the things there.

CARROLL: Islam says this has been a humbling and challenging experience counseling people who have taken up arms against the United States. But he adds cause he's a man of God, it's a task he must complete.