It is expected that if charges are brought against the detainees, military tribunals would be convened at the prison. Also, this is where the Administration will direct captured Iraquis to be brought.

Building is ongoing. 204 more one-man cells will be completed next month.

How are the detainees that have been there the past year holding up?

"Navy Capt. Al Shimkus, the head of the base hospital, is looking at the long-term effects of detention. As an example, he said Thursday that detainees held for long periods in a distant land likely would require expanded psychiatric care, and noted that one detainee diagnosed as schizophrenic had been sent back to Afghanistan."

"Asked whether other mental health problems will arise for detainees held here indefinitely, Shimkus said, "That likelihood is probably true."

"Already there have been four suicide attempts by hanging, in which detainees tried to use "comfort items," such as sheets and towels, to choke themselves in their cells. Shimkus said a dozen detainees had tried to harm themselves by scratching their wrists. Another, he said, tried to swallow his tongue, "which is impossible."

We thought the purpose of bringing the detainees here was to interrogate them. At least that's what the Administration told the country. Apparently that process has not been particularly fruitful. And one year later, they are still there although no charges have been brought against them.

With no conclusion to the terror war on the horizen, we say charge the detainees with a crime or send them home. In the end, indefinite detention serves no one and costs too much.