Demanding Justice: US Must Face Consequences for 'War on Terror' Abuses

The United States must be held accountable for its 'war on terror' crimes The European Court of Human Rights issued a significant ruling on January 16, shedding light on the need for accountability regarding abuses committed during the United States-led "war on terror". In the case of Mustafa al-Hawsawi v Lithuania, the court found Lithuania complicit in the CIA's secret detention program and mistreatment of al-Hawsawi, a Saudi national, at the CIA black site known as "Detention Site Violet". As a result, Lithuania was ordered to pay $108,660 in compensation to al-Hawsawi. This ruling is part of a series of judgments holding European countries responsible for their involvement in post-9/11 abuses. Countries such as Poland, Romania, Italy, and Macedonia have also faced legal repercussions for their roles in these human rights violations. Furthermore, various European institutions and individual countries have taken steps towards accountability, though not always comprehensive or ideal. The United Kingdom, for instance, paid millions to Iraqi victims of documented war crimes and abuses. Italy convicted American officials for kidnapping and torture, while Sweden compensated individuals subjected to rendition and torture. Canada, too, has apologized and compensated its nationals for their unjust treatment in Guantanamo and other incidents. These actions underscore efforts to address past wrongs and provide redress to victims. However, the notable absence of accountability lies with the United States, the key architect and leader of the "war on terror". Despite being a signatory to international treaties against torture, the US has evaded accountability through legal barriers, immunity claims, and bypassing global justice mechanisms. The US has utilized the state secrets privilege to withhold sensitive information in court cases, preventing survivors from seeking justice. The government's use of immunity has shielded its forces and contractors from legal consequences. Moreover, the US has rejected the jurisdiction of international bodies, including the International Criminal Court and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, further hindering accountability. In the US judicial system, investigations into abuses such as those at Abu Ghraib and CIA interrogations using "enhanced interrogation techniques" have resulted in minimal consequences. Very few compensation claims under the Foreign Claims Act have been paid, and settlements with private contractors have often been insufficient to address the harm inflicted on victims. Despite these legal challenges, efforts to seek justice persist. Lawsuits against private contractors and government entities are moving forward, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable for their roles in torture and abuse. The lack of accountability for US actions during the "war on terror" perpetuates the suffering of victims, many of whom continue to endure physical and psychological trauma. The ongoing detention of individuals at Guantanamo under inhumane conditions underscores the urgent need for the US to face justice. International law applies to all nations, including the United States, and evading accountability is not acceptable. It is time for the US to confront its past actions, provide redress to survivors, and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held to account.