Starting yesterday, and continuing today, the MSM is all over the "new decision" to treat Gitmo detainees in a manner consistent with the Geneva Conventions - contained in a DoD Memo issued July 7th.

Some have even categorized it as a "stunning reversal" of policy.

Not exactly. To be accurate, not even close.

In fact, the White House, in a February, 2002 memo, directed that although it believed that since Al Qaeda was not a High Contracting Party to Geneva, and therefore not entitled to its protections, Al Qaeda detainees were nontheless entitled to be treated humanely. The White House also said that Taliban detainees, although they did not qualify as Prisoners of War, did have some protection under Geneva, and were to be treated accordingly.

Oh, and this "stunning reversal" memo actually references that one.

The new, "stunning" memo simply reiterates that detainees should be treated in a manner consistent with the Supreme Court's recent ruling, and the DoD's understanding that its existing policies, outside of the military commission orders, are in compliance with Common Article 3 of Geneva.

Nowhere does it say that there is a new policy, or a changed policy - the entire memo is a clarification and reinforcement of existing policy.

Somehow, I'm not "stunned."

Wrong again, MSM.