Obama Mulls Release of Awlaki Memo

The Obama administration is currently debating whether to release a legal memo outlining its rationale for assassinating American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki without a trial. Some argue the disclosure could quiet questions about the killing, sources tell CNN, while others say the memo is too sensitive, since it refers to a theoretically covert action. The memo’s contents were reported by the New York Times on Sunday (you can read our summary here.)

Among those questioning the killing: al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. AQAP confirmed Awlaki’s death online Sunday, arguing that it “contradicts” US law, the Washington Post reports. “Where are what they keep talking about regarding freedom, justice, human rights, and respect of freedoms?!” the statement demands, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. The message also promised that it would “retaliate soon” for the attack. (More al-Qaeda stories.)