A DNA database for counterterrorism

A DNA DATABASE FOR COUNTERTERRORISM

warnewsupdates.blogspot.com

DNA samples of thousands of suspected terrorists from Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere have been collected and preserved in a little-known U.S. government database that is intended for forensic intelligence and counterterrorism purposes.

As of 2005, seven thousand detainee samples had been processed into the Joint Federal Agencies Antiterrorism DNA Database. Ten thousand more were “inbound” at that time from Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a public presentation. See “The Department of Defense DNA Registry and the U.S. Government Accounting Mission” (pdf) by Brion C. Smith, August 2005 (at page 14).

(visit the link for the full news article)

EDIT: all caps in copied headine


[edit on 14/10/2008 by VIKINGANT]

I know that the 'War on Terror' has caused many laws to be amended and often with good cause, but how far can it go.
This recent DoD Directive shows that basic rights are to be disregarded.
I have found a copy of the directive.
the full excerpt of 14.(b)

(b) Medical Information. Generally, information pertaining to medical conditions and care provided to patients, including medical care for detainees, is handled with respect for
patient privacy. Under U.S. and international law, there is no absolute confidentiality of medical information for any person, including detainees. Release of medical information for purposes other than treatment is governed by standards and procedures set forth by the ASD(HA).
Medical information may be released for all lawful purposes, in accordance with such standards and procedures, including release for any lawful intelligence or national security-related purpose.

Initially it states "is handled with respect for
patient privacy" but they then cover thier buts with " there is no absolute confidentiality of medical information for any person". Which is it?
What is more alarming though is section 12

During assignments in which a health care provider delivers behavioral science
consultant services, the provider may not supply medical care for detainees except in an
emergency when no other health care providers can respond adequately.

If a detainee is being treated with all respect and in a humane way, there should not be a need for 'emergency' medical treatment.

Moving ahead to the glossary.
LAW OF WAR:

The part of international law that regulates the conduct of armed hostilities and occupation. It is often called the “law of armed conflict” and encompasses all international law
applicable to the conduct of hostilities that is binding on the United States or its individual citizens, including treaties and international agreements to which the United States is a party, and applicable customary international law.

I am wondering if "applicable customary international law" suggests that less humane interrogation techniques would be allowed on non US soil?

warnewsupdates.blogspot.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

This is probably working backwards, but this DNA database was proposed a while ago. Looks like the bill was passed through quickly and quietly since it didnt get much attention.

The Bill will include new measures to strengthen terrorist prosecutions and deal with terrorists after they have been charged. It will seek to ensure that the police and the intelligence services are given specific data sharing powers, as well as putting the police’s counter-terrorist DNA database on a similar footing to that of the national DNA database. Moreover, the Bill will increase the custodial sentences for convicted terrorists; extend the power available to police to seize terrorist assets and, finally, make it a requirement that convicted terrorists provide police with personnel information upon their release from prison.
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This Bill is likely to prompt criticism from human rights campaigners and opposition parties, as the government proposes to introduce two controversial measures; (1) modifying the post-charge questioning of terrorist suspects, and (2) increase the number of days a terrorist suspect can be held in pre-charge detention.

source
Even thought the UK did not have it passed, the US seemed to think it was OK....