Gonzales fails to deliver briefing to Leahy

Not surprisingly Gonzales failed to brief Leahy this week even though he promised to do so. He also failed to tell Leahy that he had already reviewed the case with CHertoff and sent a letter off to Stockwell Day (the Canadian cabinet minister in charge of security) informing him that the case had been reviewed and Arar was staying on the no fly list. Leahy should just go ahead and hold hearings into Arar's and other cases of rendition.

Leahy to Admin: Explain Arar Stance
By Justin Rood - January 26, 2007, 1:27 PM
Senate Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy (D-VT) dressed down Attorney General Alberto Gonzales last week over the case of Maher Arar, the Canadian citizen whom the U.S. seized and sent to Syria where he was tortured.

Gonzales stumbled when trying to explain why he couldn't discuss the matter, finally promising Leahy a secret briefing on the matter. Leahy still hasn't gotten the briefing, although he says he expects to have one very soon.

"The question remains why, even if there were reasons to consider [Arar] suspicious, the U.S. Government shipped him to Syria where he was tortured, instead of to Canada for investigation or prosecution," Leahy said in a statement released today, echoing the sentiments he shared with Gonzales last Thursday. "I look forward to hearing the Justice Department's answer to that question next week."