Analyze impact of "leadership structure" among detainees

 

Overview: How is the United States treating the Taliban and al Qaeda detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? Direct students to learn more about the Geneva Conventions and their stipulations for the treatment of prisoners of war. Discuss perceptions of the detainees' treatment. Have students determine how a "leadership structure" among the detainees might impact both the detainees and the guards at Guantanamo Bay.

Curriculum Connections: U.S. History, Current Events

Have students read the story, "Rumsfeld, senators: Detainees treated well," and answer the following questions:

1. Why is the U.S. government being criticized for its treatment of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? Who is Donald Rumsfeld? Why did he and four U.S. senators tour Guantanamo Bay? How did U.S. Senator Hutchison characterize the facility? What other evidence did officials offer to support their assertion that the detainees are being treated humanely? Do you find the authorities' arguments compelling? Why or why not?

2. Remind students that the Bush administration classifies the detainees as "unlawful combatants" as opposed to "prisoners of war." Critics charge that the "unlawful combatants" designation exempts the detainees from the requirements of the Geneva Conventions. Challenge students to learn more about the Geneva Conventions and their stipulations for the treatment of prisoners of war. Students may want to consult the CNNstudentnews.com resource "Backgrounder: Geneva Conventions." Have students share their information. Generate a class discussion about students' perceptions of the detainees' treatment, based on what students have read in print media. Ask: What would the U.S. have to gain or lose by putting itself in the position of violating the Geneva Conventions? Do you think U.S. authorities can ensure the security of Camp X-Ray and maintain humane conditions for the detainees simultaneously? Why or why not?

3. Point out that, in the story, we learn that some of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay "have assumed leadership roles and appear to be scrutinizing security at the facility." Ask: Why do you think that some of the detainees are assuming leadership roles? How do you think the establishment of a "leadership structure" amongst the detainees might impact both the detainees and the guards at Guantanamo Bay? Explain.What potential political problems might this pose for the U.S. government as it tries to provide humane treatment to the detainees that is consistent with the Geneva Conventions?

Extension
Challenge students to think of other examples, from books, movies or personal accounts, of when POWs from previous wars have established leadership structures during their internment. How did the POWs benefit from this process? Discuss.