Airman Ahmed al-Halabi: Another military trial falls apart

Thank you, Sir, may I have another?

There was a time when the news was abuzz about Guantanamo spy rings infiltrating the US military, with American Muslim servicemen being detained one after another being exhibited as proof that the US was taking strong steps towards confronting terrorism. The most celebrated case, that of Chaplain James Yee, ended with revelations of investigative bungling and a dismissal of all charges (although with his military career effectively trashed, Yee later left the Army). The latest chapter in this “Keystone Kops” comedy of errors was that of Airman Ahmed al-Halabi, who after facing the death penalty for allegedly passing on secrets to Syria, was unexpectedly (or expectedly if you have been following the news) released after serving a year in prison, and all 30 charges against him were dropped. al-Halabi only faced charges of mailing himself unauthorized (but unclassified) documents, for which he was sentenced to time already served. “The United States oversold, overcharged and overreacted in this case,” said Maj. Kim London, al-Halabi’s defense attorney. “The government is being trigger-happy,” said attorney Gene Fidell, who worked successfully to get charges against al-Halabi’s superior officer Chaplain Yee dropped. The prosecution – which was plagued by embarassing setbacks during the lengthy proceedings, was unrepentant. “How many more USS Coles or Khobar Towers do we need before everyone gets the message?” asked Lt. Col. Bryan Wheeler, the Air Force’s lead prosecutor, arguing that even the non-classified documents in al-Halabi’s possession could have resulted in “downed planes, dead Americans.” Meanwhile, Airman al-Halabi, who was arrested while leaving for Syria to get married, is looking forward to moving on and (unlike Chaplain Yee) still sees a place for himself in the US Armed Forces. “I love this country. That’s why I become a citizen. Moving here was a dream come true,” Halabi said. “I would like to ask you to give me a second chance.”

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.