A Time magazine article from the 60's that discusses the entrenched American forces at Gitmo.
Image?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
History of Guantanamo Bay
Hey, I found a three volume intensive history of Guantanamo Bay that should help us construct our maps according to the timeline.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Guantanamo/AboutGTMO/gtmohistgeneral/gtmohistmurphy/gtmohistmurphyvol1/gtmohistmurphyvol1ch23/gtmohistmurphyvol1ch23
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Guantanamo/AboutGTMO/gtmohistgeneral/gtmohistmurphy/gtmohistmurphyvol1/gtmohistmurphyvol1ch23/gtmohistmurphyvol1ch23
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Information on the Base
Here are links with information in regards to the installations on the base.
Lassiter Fuel Farms
Gold Hill Barracks
Wharves and Piers, link is about evasion of threats (tropical storms) and strategies for the best course of action.
Timeline of Guantanamo Bay, Landmarks and Roads
Lassiter Fuel Farms
Gold Hill Barracks
Wharves and Piers, link is about evasion of threats (tropical storms) and strategies for the best course of action.
Timeline of Guantanamo Bay, Landmarks and Roads
Guantanamo Public Schools - The Better Place To Be
After a forehead slap and a groan, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of information on the general infrastructure of the GTMO military base from none other than Google Maps. As we plotted the locations on the KIP print map, we noticed that there was a high school and an elementary school.
This is their school website.
It's surreal to see what the kids that go to W.T. Sampson Elementary and High School will be having for lunch next month.
This is their school website.
It's surreal to see what the kids that go to W.T. Sampson Elementary and High School will be having for lunch next month.
Spatialized Indistinction of Omnipresence
Guantanamo is the principle object.
The following is an excerpt from “Zones of Indistinction – Security, Terror, and Bare Life” in Territories 2003 p. 42
“The building should be visible from all over town, preferably built on a small mountain. It should be non-transparent and dark. As the prisoners internalized the gaze of authority, the citizens would internalize the risk of imprisonment. The ban could strike all – again, sovereignty reins in potentia, omnipresent yet not necessarily real or actual. “It is the apparent punishment, therefore that does all the service, I mean in the way of example, which is the principle object. It is the real punishment that does all the mischief.” (Bentham 1988: 170; quoted in Bozovic 1995: 4)”
The following is an excerpt from “Zones of Indistinction – Security, Terror, and Bare Life” in Territories 2003 p. 42
“The building should be visible from all over town, preferably built on a small mountain. It should be non-transparent and dark. As the prisoners internalized the gaze of authority, the citizens would internalize the risk of imprisonment. The ban could strike all – again, sovereignty reins in potentia, omnipresent yet not necessarily real or actual. “It is the apparent punishment, therefore that does all the service, I mean in the way of example, which is the principle object. It is the real punishment that does all the mischief.” (Bentham 1988: 170; quoted in Bozovic 1995: 4)”
The Other Side
This is a photo gallery of the military base at Gitmo.
Come see the softer side of fear.
Waterslides?!
Come see the softer side of fear.
Waterslides?!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
hi-res aerial photos
here are some photos for your reference. christina and i are producing a working line drawing of the site which will be posted asap.
entire US naval base
Headquarters/Military Personnel
Headquarters (larger scale)
Leeward Ferry
entire US naval base
Headquarters/Military Personnel
Headquarters (larger scale)
Leeward Ferry
A couple of interesting drawings...
This is a good map which illustrates the transfer and movement of detainees around the world
I have also included below, a map illustrating where the chapel, hospital, base headquarters, cemetery, and ferry landing are located
Standard Operating Procedure
Here is a forensic comparison and analysis of the 2003 and 2004 Standard Operating Procedure manuals for Guantanamo Bay. The manuals are printed side-by-side for direct comparison, with text that has been changed/added/eliminated highlighted.
Military Might
This is a smattering of a post, with a bit of information on a variety of topics.
A website containing the locations (known of course) of military bases, domestic and foreign.
http://themilitaryzone.com/military_bases.html
http://www.themilitaryzone.com/bases/guantanamo.html
http://www.nps.gov/history/nagpra/DOCUMENTS/BasesMilitaryMAP.htm
Interestingly, here is a website on the definitions of the word "terrorism".
http://www.raceandhistory.com/cgi-bin/forum/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/284
http://www.answers.com/topic/terrorism
From answers.com
The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons."
Using terror to get what you want. Scare tactics. Terror-ism.
Of course, in this particular definition which differs from the official FBI definition is the use of implied violence, or the threat of violence. Threatening to use violence, according to the answers.com definition, is just as much an act of terrorism as actually performing the act.
"Unlawful" seems to be the key word here - which is why Gitmo is such a gray area. What law is the detainee camp required to follow?
http://lifeloom.com/III1Godwin.htm
An account of the Mardi Gras effect, with regards to the internet phenomenon of anonymity. Essentially a definition, and considers the phenomenon as "wearing a mask".
A website containing the locations (known of course) of military bases, domestic and foreign.
http://themilitaryzone.com/military_bases.html
http://www.themilitaryzone.com/bases/guantanamo.html
http://www.nps.gov/history/nagpra/DOCUMENTS/BasesMilitaryMAP.htm
Interestingly, here is a website on the definitions of the word "terrorism".
http://www.raceandhistory.com/cgi-bin/forum/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/284
http://www.answers.com/topic/terrorism
From answers.com
The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons."
Using terror to get what you want. Scare tactics. Terror-ism.
Of course, in this particular definition which differs from the official FBI definition is the use of implied violence, or the threat of violence. Threatening to use violence, according to the answers.com definition, is just as much an act of terrorism as actually performing the act.
"Unlawful" seems to be the key word here - which is why Gitmo is such a gray area. What law is the detainee camp required to follow?
http://lifeloom.com/III1Godwin.htm
An account of the Mardi Gras effect, with regards to the internet phenomenon of anonymity. Essentially a definition, and considers the phenomenon as "wearing a mask".
Monday, January 19, 2009
Let's play a guessing game.
Guess who, what, when, and why in this video. The "where" is Guantanamo Bay.
Hint: they're not terrorists.
The article from which I took the link is here.
Hello from zip code 09360.
Yes, Guantanamo Bay even has its own zip code, despite not being legally owned by the United States.
Post questions if you want more information about a specific camp, or if anything is unclear. I do not know where these are spatially on the site, because I have been focusing on the history and political formation of GB. Camp America, America North, and Bulkeley are independent of Camp Delta, the primary detention facility (see previous post. Echo and Iguana are part of Camp Delta.
Camp America + Bulkeley Camp America formerly housed US military personnel and civilian contractors working at Guantanamo Bay, consisting primarily of “sea huts” which have replaced the tents formerly used on the site. The sea huts are currently used for storage, administrative, and medical purposes. The camp also contains command post operations and the “downtown”: internet café, souvenir shop, three fast-food outlets, an outdoor movie theater, a Jamaican restaurant, Club Survivor, and a general store/mini-mart. A new gym is located nearer Camp Delta.
Camp America North Current housing camp for base personnel, construction beginning 2002 for North I and 2003 for North II. Contains hard-roof prefabricated housing units for eight residents with kitchenettes and indoor toilets. Additional camp common spaces for personnel.
Camp Echo Camp for pre-commissions detainees, selected for Military Commission by the President. Allows for private access to lawyers. Not solitary confinement; each block building has a steel cage inside with a restroom and table for conversations/interrogations, guarded 24 hours a day by MPs.
Camp Iguana Lower-security facility for juvenile detainees (13 to 15 years old). Comprised of single-story blockhouses divided up into units with a bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette, with amenities administered as a rewards system (London Sunday Times). Three Afghan juveniles confirmed to have been held at Camp Iguana; they were released in 2004 after widespread international criticism. It is estimated that as many as 40 detainees are currently juveniles, and others were under the age of 18 when they were captured. There is no reported criticism of the treatment of the children detained; criticism has focused primarily on the lack of a prompt determination/trial.
Camp Iguana is currently used to hold those detainees with N-LEC status – “No Longer Enemy Combatants.” The fear is that these detainees may face imprisonment, torture, and other forms of persecution if they are repatriated to their home countries; therefore allowing them to remain at Camp Iguana under protection is considered the safest and most humane alternative for now.
Edit #1 -- This is the oldest article in the NY Times archives that references Guantanamo.
Edit #2 -- The press kit issued to reporters arriving at the base back in 2002, shortly after the decision by President Bush to use the base to house detainees of the war on terror, and the arrival of the first detainees.
Post questions if you want more information about a specific camp, or if anything is unclear. I do not know where these are spatially on the site, because I have been focusing on the history and political formation of GB. Camp America, America North, and Bulkeley are independent of Camp Delta, the primary detention facility (see previous post. Echo and Iguana are part of Camp Delta.
Camp America + Bulkeley Camp America formerly housed US military personnel and civilian contractors working at Guantanamo Bay, consisting primarily of “sea huts” which have replaced the tents formerly used on the site. The sea huts are currently used for storage, administrative, and medical purposes. The camp also contains command post operations and the “downtown”: internet café, souvenir shop, three fast-food outlets, an outdoor movie theater, a Jamaican restaurant, Club Survivor, and a general store/mini-mart. A new gym is located nearer Camp Delta.
Camp America North Current housing camp for base personnel, construction beginning 2002 for North I and 2003 for North II. Contains hard-roof prefabricated housing units for eight residents with kitchenettes and indoor toilets. Additional camp common spaces for personnel.
Camp Echo Camp for pre-commissions detainees, selected for Military Commission by the President. Allows for private access to lawyers. Not solitary confinement; each block building has a steel cage inside with a restroom and table for conversations/interrogations, guarded 24 hours a day by MPs.
Camp Iguana Lower-security facility for juvenile detainees (13 to 15 years old). Comprised of single-story blockhouses divided up into units with a bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchenette, with amenities administered as a rewards system (London Sunday Times). Three Afghan juveniles confirmed to have been held at Camp Iguana; they were released in 2004 after widespread international criticism. It is estimated that as many as 40 detainees are currently juveniles, and others were under the age of 18 when they were captured. There is no reported criticism of the treatment of the children detained; criticism has focused primarily on the lack of a prompt determination/trial.
Camp Iguana is currently used to hold those detainees with N-LEC status – “No Longer Enemy Combatants.” The fear is that these detainees may face imprisonment, torture, and other forms of persecution if they are repatriated to their home countries; therefore allowing them to remain at Camp Iguana under protection is considered the safest and most humane alternative for now.
Edit #1 -- This is the oldest article in the NY Times archives that references Guantanamo.
Edit #2 -- The press kit issued to reporters arriving at the base back in 2002, shortly after the decision by President Bush to use the base to house detainees of the war on terror, and the arrival of the first detainees.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The basics - Camp Delta
For reference, here are brief descriptions of the seven numbered camps on the base. I have more research to do on Echo, Iguana, etc. But hopefully this basic outline helps for reference points, because the names appear frequently in news articles. More later tonight . . .
Camp Delta Began construction 27 February 2002. Built on Radio Range, former site of Haitian refugee camps. First 408 detention units completed middle of April, camp occupied April 28-29 by transfers from Camp X-Ray, which was immediately closed down. Initially a 612-unit facility; each unit is 8ft x 6ft-8 in x 8 ft of metal mesh. Security force is the U.S. Army Military Police. Camp has “at least 7 detention camps” (GlobalSecurity.org): Camps 1-6 and Echo. Camp 7 is not discussed or listed as existing, but is most likely used for the detainees deemed most dangerous and most valuable, to be kept unavailable to the public eye.
Camp 1 Moved to Camp 1 from 2 with additional cooperation. Lights are on 24 hours a day, no air conditioning, although exhaust fans are left on. Tan uniforms and canvas sneakers. Comfort items include toothbrush; toothpaste; soap; shampoo; flip-flops; underwear, shorts, pants, and shirt; empty paper cup which is taken away if used for anything other than drinking water. Holds approximately 31% of Delta detainees.
Camp 2 Moved to Camp 2 from 3 when show cooperation and “help to develop intelligence.” Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 9% of Delta detainees. No toilet paper except by request; allowed small comfort items (shampoo, soft plastic pens).
Camp 3 Highest level maximum security facility. First point of arrival for all detainees before transferred elsewhere on site. Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 10% of Delta detainees at any given time. Not allowed toilet paper except by request when needed.
Camp 4 Medium-security facility which received its first 20 occupants 28 Feb 2003. Detainees are allowed to eat, sleep, and pray together. White uniforms. Comfort items include writing material; personal storage locker; books; electric fans in the cell bays; ice water; full roll of toilet paper. Communal game/recreation rooms and open spaces. Allowed supplemental food items i.e. yellow cheese, Fig Newtons, figs, peanut butter. Holds approximately 34% of Delta detainees.
Camp 5 Two-story maximum security complex for 100 most dangerous and valuable detainees. Modeled after the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, IN. Surrounded by barbed wire and green sheet to restrict views. Run from a raised, glass-enclosed centralized control tower. The facility is entirely computer-controlled, from movement of detainees to the operation of the showers. All rooms are monitored by cameras 24/7. Central air conditioning. Holds approximately 16% all detainees.
Camp 6 Newest permanent facility modeled on the Lenawee County Jail in southeastern Michigan to hold 200 prisoners, built by Halliburton. Opened after statements by the administration indicating an intention to close the prison, causing global controversy as to motivations. Original intent in building was to ease the harsh living conditions of Delta for compliant detainees; shift to maximum security after hunger strikes and three detainee suicides, general refocus on long-term accommodation of detainees who will not be charged with crimes. Changes include fenced-in catwalks and stairways; higher shower stalls; division of exercise yards into one-man pens; disuse of communal eating areas.
Camp 7 Not discussed by the military, existence confirmed February 2008. Holds 15 highest-value detainees and is policed by special unit Task Force Platinum. Access permitted only for top officials at Guantanamo Bay; for the Red Cross; and possibly for two lawyers for one of the detainees. Location on the base is classified; facility may have existed prior to the arrival of the first Afghan detainees. Camp operations are run by the Central Intelligence Agency, the only camp on site of which this is true. Check out the first announcement article by the Miami Herald.
Camp Delta Began construction 27 February 2002. Built on Radio Range, former site of Haitian refugee camps. First 408 detention units completed middle of April, camp occupied April 28-29 by transfers from Camp X-Ray, which was immediately closed down. Initially a 612-unit facility; each unit is 8ft x 6ft-8 in x 8 ft of metal mesh. Security force is the U.S. Army Military Police. Camp has “at least 7 detention camps” (GlobalSecurity.org): Camps 1-6 and Echo. Camp 7 is not discussed or listed as existing, but is most likely used for the detainees deemed most dangerous and most valuable, to be kept unavailable to the public eye.
Camp 1 Moved to Camp 1 from 2 with additional cooperation. Lights are on 24 hours a day, no air conditioning, although exhaust fans are left on. Tan uniforms and canvas sneakers. Comfort items include toothbrush; toothpaste; soap; shampoo; flip-flops; underwear, shorts, pants, and shirt; empty paper cup which is taken away if used for anything other than drinking water. Holds approximately 31% of Delta detainees.
Camp 2 Moved to Camp 2 from 3 when show cooperation and “help to develop intelligence.” Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 9% of Delta detainees. No toilet paper except by request; allowed small comfort items (shampoo, soft plastic pens).
Camp 3 Highest level maximum security facility. First point of arrival for all detainees before transferred elsewhere on site. Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 10% of Delta detainees at any given time. Not allowed toilet paper except by request when needed.
Camp 4 Medium-security facility which received its first 20 occupants 28 Feb 2003. Detainees are allowed to eat, sleep, and pray together. White uniforms. Comfort items include writing material; personal storage locker; books; electric fans in the cell bays; ice water; full roll of toilet paper. Communal game/recreation rooms and open spaces. Allowed supplemental food items i.e. yellow cheese, Fig Newtons, figs, peanut butter. Holds approximately 34% of Delta detainees.
Camp 5 Two-story maximum security complex for 100 most dangerous and valuable detainees. Modeled after the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, IN. Surrounded by barbed wire and green sheet to restrict views. Run from a raised, glass-enclosed centralized control tower. The facility is entirely computer-controlled, from movement of detainees to the operation of the showers. All rooms are monitored by cameras 24/7. Central air conditioning. Holds approximately 16% all detainees.
Camp 6 Newest permanent facility modeled on the Lenawee County Jail in southeastern Michigan to hold 200 prisoners, built by Halliburton. Opened after statements by the administration indicating an intention to close the prison, causing global controversy as to motivations. Original intent in building was to ease the harsh living conditions of Delta for compliant detainees; shift to maximum security after hunger strikes and three detainee suicides, general refocus on long-term accommodation of detainees who will not be charged with crimes. Changes include fenced-in catwalks and stairways; higher shower stalls; division of exercise yards into one-man pens; disuse of communal eating areas.
Camp 7 Not discussed by the military, existence confirmed February 2008. Holds 15 highest-value detainees and is policed by special unit Task Force Platinum. Access permitted only for top officials at Guantanamo Bay; for the Red Cross; and possibly for two lawyers for one of the detainees. Location on the base is classified; facility may have existed prior to the arrival of the first Afghan detainees. Camp operations are run by the Central Intelligence Agency, the only camp on site of which this is true. Check out the first announcement article by the Miami Herald.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
one thought that lingers
from today's discussion, when stephanie mentioned that Guantanamo historically was used as a refugee camp (towards more humanitarian and progressive ends)....it is interesting to think about how the same idea of exception could play out w/ different intentions and 'forms.' Janus-like as it may be, it seems that the camp, perhaps as an isolated heterotopic condition, fosters and perpetuates certain characteristics in how it operates and how it exists territorially in our consciousness. Can Gitmo be reconsidered, or is it inherently its defining character as a military base? At a distance and a conceptual symbol for other forsaken aspects of our society. How does that affect the trajectory of our reprogramming? What are the terms we're working with? Keep that in mind for next week's reading on camps from the 3rd part of Homo Sacer. Similar to how we attempted to define today the definition of terrorism, define specifically the terms of Gitmo. What are we dealing with?
By the way, do you guys think this is a studio on terror or is it aiming for post-terror? Is that even possible? or are we still in the time of terror?
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