WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's decision to resume military trials for detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, allows the prosecution there of several suspected 9/11 conspirators, including alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
Obama's order reverses his move two years ago to halt new trials and reignites arguments over the legality of the military commissions.
But fierce congressional opposition to trying Mohammed and other Guantanamo detainees in the United States has left Obama with few options. It's also forced his retreat from his promise to shut down the prison.
Mohammed and a handful of detainees have been charged in connection with the 2001 attacks. But the charges were dismissed following the end of the military commissions.
Administration officials declined Monday to discuss the potential prosecution of Mohammed or any of the other detainees.