The current administration has taken a valiant step in repairing Americans’ image when it comes to bringing terrorists to justice. Trying these men in U.S. criminal courts open to the public and media will demonstrate the strength of justice and fairness of U.S. laws to the world.

            It’s another step in cleaning up the damage former President George W. Bush inflicted by allowing torture and open-ended imprisonment. The choice to try Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the self proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and four others accused in the events will provide justice for the victims of 9/11.

            It was the right choice.

            There is no way Attorney General Eric Holder will push for a civil trial unless the government has enough evidence to convict the suspects. It seems that the government is very much aware of the symbolic implications of trying these defendants just blocks away from where their alleged crimes came to fruition.

            There is no evidence to support claims that military tribunals are better venues for such a hearing. The goal is to provide a fair trial. Anything less would allow Mohammed to defy the proceedings and use them as a platform for Islamist propaganda.

            Such military commissions fall under the executive branch, while the judiciary is supposed to be a separate branch free from political interference. This is very important if the goal of the trials is to show the world that America’s progressive society will grant impartial trials to all types of criminals.

            Military tribunals can actually provide an unfair advantage to prosecutors in order to garner convictions. The civil justice system doesn’t always work the quickest but federal courts have dealt with terrorism cases before and know how to handle them.

            There are some concerns regarding security issues. Allowing the defendants to examine government evidence and sensitive intelligence reports could backfire, as the information could be used by al-Qaeda in the field.

            Mohammed has the option to use a defense that could put the United States on trial for using interrogation methods – he was waterboarded 183 times during his detention.

            Some lawmakers have remarked that trying terror suspects on U.S. soil is too hazardous. These men are dangerous and their presence here would up the chances for another attack on the U.S.

            The perception that the government should avoid trying the defendants because of imagined threat retribution is a sham. The federal government decided to prosecute terror cases such as Ramazi Yousef and his collaborators for the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.

             The suggestion that the United States justice system can’t handle prosecuting individuals accused of killing more than 3,000 American citizens is a fantasy, and to even consider it admits a moral victory to the terrorists.

            Would al-Qaeda be less likely to attempt another domestic attack if the trial were held at a military base rather than in New York City?

            No.

            An attack can occur anywhere at any time. But the threat of one shouldn’t deter Americans from living their lives or force them to abandon their beliefs. If this country has lost its faith in America’s justice system and Western rule of law, then terrorists have already won half the battle.

            The U.S. should never allow itself to be unsettled by terrorist threats. Trying these terrorists in New York is a fitting way to fight back.