Welner

On cross-examination by the defense, however, we learned that Khadr told Welner both that he had secular interests and that he has tried to educate himself while in detention.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

Welner testified that Khadr reads the Quran, but has no interests in Western studies.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

In fact, in a court-ordered interview, Khadr had told Welner that he is studying GED books and English, math and science textbooks well-wishers have sent him, but finds it difficult to teach himself: "Since I stopped school at eighth grade and it's been eight years, some things are hard to learn by myself."

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

Welner never actually read Senells 'book; he just called Sennels up on the phone and chatted with him.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

In the course of his testimony, Welner variously referred to radical Islam as "deviant," a "pathology," and a "passion;" he also analogized it to a "fungating tumor wrapped around an artery" that must be surgically removed.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

Earlier this week he'd allowed the government's star expert witness, Dr. Michael Welner, to testify about the conditions in Camp 4 of the Guantanamo prison where Khadr in recent years has been housed, even though Welner had only visited Khadr there once.

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Welner worked 500-600 hours on Khadr's case, and the rumored cost to the government is around half a million dollars.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

It was written by Kevin G. Welner, a professor of education policy and program evaluation in the School of Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and director of the National Education Policy Center.

How 'Inside Job" explains school reform 2011

Ignoring social science research and epidemiological evidence to the contrary, Welner claimed that Khadr's religiosity is a sign of future dangerousness, In fact, research has conclusively found the opposite: religious belief and membership in a community are reliable predictors for rehabilitation.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010

Welner outrageously cited as signs of Khadr's future dangerousness that he has "memorized the Quran and studies it energetically," and that he leads other detainees in prayers.

Jennifer Turner: Government Witness Claims Gitmo Radicalized Child Soldier Jennifer Turner 2010