After political setbacks on Gitmo, Obama administration seeks deal on detainee cases

After setbacks, Obama looks to deal on Gitmo

WASHINGTON — A senior administration official says the U.S. still hopes to put some Guantanamo Bay detainees on trial in U.S. civilian courts.

The official says the White House is increasingly convinced it cannot try accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in civilian court, as originally planned.

But senior aides are trying to craft a deal with lawmakers in which Guantanamo detainees are brought to the United States, some to face trial in federal court and others, like Mohammed, are charged in military commissions.

The official is speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations.

The negotiations are delicate because Obama faces harsh criticism from both conservatives and liberals on the issue.