The Daily MuckWhistleblowers within the Federal Aviation Administration are believed to have been subject to bullying tactics and unwarranted punishment from FAA managers for reporting safety concerns, according to FAA documents. Included in the allegations are accusations that the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, recently under fire for chilling such whistleblowing, was slow to investigate claims made by FAA workers. (Wall St. Journal sub. req.)
Only one in five prisoners under U.S. custody in Iraq fall under one of the prime militant extremist groups opposing U.S. forces, say U.S. military analysts. The rest that are swept up in the search for such militants have no business being detained. (USA Today)
Charges were dismissed last week against Mohammed al-Qahtani, the alleged 20th hijacker on 9/11, most likely because his mental impairments disallowed him from participating in his own defense. A Pentagon review of Qahtani’s treatment while at Gitmo found “abusive and degrading” interrogation tactics. Such treatment may have ultimately ruined the case against him, say some military prosecutors. (Wall St. Journal sub. req.)
BAE Systems, a defense company used by the U.S. government in the Middle East, admitted their chief executive Mike Turner and an unnamed official of the company were held by U.S. officials in Houston last week and issued subpoenas regarding a corruption investigation. The subpoenas are a result of a probe into the company’s alleged arms deal with Saudi Arabia. (The Independent)
The practice of “earmark skimming,” or federal agencies withholding of funds appropriated for projects, has drawn the attention of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) after at least two of his earmarks in Nebraska fell short of agreed monetary payout. (New York Times)