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NewsFebruary 4, 2002

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- Some detainees from the war in Afghanistan are having second thoughts about their actions, and some have regrets, a Muslim Navy cleric said Sunday. Lt. Abuhena Saiful-Islam said many believe they are innocent and want to go home, but most of all they want a decision about their future...

By Lynne Sladky, The Associated Press

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- Some detainees from the war in Afghanistan are having second thoughts about their actions, and some have regrets, a Muslim Navy cleric said Sunday.

Lt. Abuhena Saiful-Islam said many believe they are innocent and want to go home, but most of all they want a decision about their future.

"This is not a comfortable place. Nobody's trying to make them happy. My understanding from them is that they don't want to be comfortable here or be happy here. They want a resolution," he told reporters.

Saiful-Islam meets daily with the 158 detainees from 25 countries, communicating in English, Urdu, Arabic and otherwise using translators.

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Some declare their innocence and ask why they are being held at this remote U.S. Navy base on the eastern tip of Cuba.

But others were reconsidering, he indicated.

Asked if any had regrets, he said "Some, they do," but refused to discuss it further.

While U.S. officials say the detainees are among the most dangerous captured during the U.S.-led war, Saiful-Islam said he has been surprised by the acceptance they give him when he meets to discuss their needs.

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