Bid to shut Guantanamo roils Pentagon, White House, Congress

The Obama administration’s quest to close the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is mired in state and federal politics.

Frustrated White House and Pentagon officials are blaming each other for the slow progress releasing approved detainees and finding a new U.S. prison to house those still held.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter is facing criticism from administration officials who complain he hasn’t approved enough detainee transfers, even though 52 are eligible.

Officials say the White House is frustrated because President Barack Obama discussed the issue with Carter when he was hired for the Pentagon job, and they believed Carter was on board with the White House’s plans to move more quickly.

Others say Carter is approving transfers and pushing his staff to get more to him.