Judge throws out suit preventing U.S. from targeting U.S.-born cleric al-Awlaki for death

[The Straight Story]

Judge throws out suit preventing U.S. from targeting U.S.-born anti-American cleric al-Awlaki for death

WASHINGTON — A federal judge is throwing out a lawsuit aimed at preventing the United States from targeting U.S.-born anti-American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki for death.

U.S. District Judge John Bates said in a written opinion Tuesday that al-Awlaki's father does not have the authority to sue on his son's behalf. But he says the case raises serious issues about whether the United States can plan to kill one of its own citizens.

Al-Awlaki has urged Muslims to kill Americans and has been linked to several terrorist attacks, including last year's shooting at a U.S. Army base in Texas. He is believed to be hiding in Yemen.

Administration officials have confirmed to The Associated Press that al-Awlaki is on a capture or kill list.



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40549593

[Vinnie From Indy]

1. Coming to a city near you - extra judicial killings by the US Government

I hope all DU'ers realize that the killing of Americans by the US Government with NO judicial review will not be constrained by location. In the future, it could easily be John Smith in Cincinnati or Pete Jones in Albuquerque that gets whacked by the government if they are deemed a "terrorist" by the President.

[Mimosa]

2. And Julian Assange might not be feeling too well in his cell during the next few days. n/t