Washington, Nov 15 : After assuming office, President elect Barack Obama wants to close the prison facility for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. But, if it’s shut down, what will the government do with all those detainees?

CBS reported that the president-elect’s transition team has already asked the Pentagon what it would take to move the prisoners out of Guantanamo to the Navy base at Charleston, S. C.

It’s a clear sign that the new president intends to make good on one of his most emphatic campaign promises.

One high profile terrorist, Jose Padilla, was held at the Charleston brig before facing trial. But major construction and extraordinary security would be required to house all
250 Guantanamo inmates there. Other military bases, including Camp Pendleton, California are also under consideration.

Whatever the location, moving the prisoners to the US will open a Pandora’s box of legal issues, claims Benjamin Wittes of the Brookings Institution.

“The real question is what is our detainee policy in the war on terrorism and that''s a question that is, you know, is going to be very wrenching,” CBS News quoted Wittes, as saying.

Over 100 inmates are considered too dangerous to release but not guilty enough to prosecute because the evidence against them cannot be used in court.

Witters said there is going to be a sobering moment when the Obama Administration comes into office and they actually look at these files.

The real question facing Obama: Will he change the rules under which captured terrorists are held, or just their address? (ANI)