EU May Suspend Voting Rights of Nations With 'Secret Prisons'

And the U.S. asks for more time.

From the AP:EU May Suspend Nations With Secret Prisons

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Monday, November 28, 2005; 12:59 PM

BERLIN -- The United States has told the European Union it needs more time to respond to media reports that the CIA set up secret jails in some European nations and transported terror suspects by covert flights, the top EU justice official said Monday.

Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini also warned that any of the 25 bloc nations found to have operated secret CIA prisons could have their EU voting rights suspended.

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OK, the underlying story broke on 11/02/05.

Almost a month ago.

Just how much time does it take to "respond" with a "yes," "no," or "We're looking to see if it's true or not?"

The longer the administration takes to respond, the more the perception will be that they are just looking for time to build a cover story, and the less likely that the public (both home and abroad) will believe any story that "exonerates" the U.S.

And the longer the truth takes to come out, whatever the truth *is,* the more that this story will have a negative propaganda impact on how the U.S. is perceived in areas where terrorists are being recruited, and among the groups recruiting. Just adding fuel to the flames.

"Security by obscurity" doesn't work in business, software or statecraft.

And the Bush/Cheney White House (and whoever their successors will be, Democrat of Republican) have to learn that lesson.