In his campaign, Barack Obama was unhesitating about his intention to end the country’s criminal involvement in the Gitmo prison. In holding prisoners there, the U.S., by the very location, announced that ‘here there be monsters.’ This country held prisoners outside its justice system. Trials in the U.S. were delayed as right wing spokes-idiots protested the threat to the country.

Early in the administration the President called for the end of the Gitmo atrocity. White House counsel Craig Gregg hesitated.

The logistical problems were immense, but the legal wrinkles are an impediment to this administration that should have militated their early resolution.

As an example of the difficulties Mr. Craig faced, the officials cite the president’s move in May to reverse a decision that would have led to the release of photos showing abuse of terror detainees during the Bush administration.

Weeks earlier, Mr. Craig brought Mr. Obama plans to release Justice Department memorandums detailing the Bush administration’s policies on terrorism detainees. Some Obama national-security officials complained they hadn’t been consulted, people familiar with the matter said, and the objections prompted weeks of debate inside the administration.

Mr. Craig and Attorney General Eric Holder won the fight to release the memorandums, with minimal redactions, but the White House had to move quickly to limit political damage. Former Vice President Dick Cheney sharpened criticism of Mr. Obama during a televised speech that followed Mr. Obama’s own address intended to explain his national-security vision.

Security considerations seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to the counsel and his 40 attorneys, not a good sign when matters of the country’s legacy are involved. That it’s now time to try more vigorous approaches that involve public interest – with Craig stepping down – makes movement seem more likely.

The departures of controversial figures prompted by right wing criticisms encourage speculation that all the wingers need do to foil the Presidents’ good intentions is to mount attacks. In the case of counsel Craig Gregg, there is a counter move, as Gregg has seemed to attract criticism for his moves to open up to the public.

By moving now for trial of 911 suspects in civilian courts, another long held impediment is breached, and the loonies overridden.

Five individuals linked to the 9/11 terror attacks are likely to be transferred to the federal court for the Southern District of New York, which includes Manhattan.

Forward momentum on the closing of Gitmo will go a long way toward fighting back criticisms from the left that President Obama promised much more of an end to the crimes of the previous, worst ever, administration. We are all hoping this will be an end to the roadblocks in the way of that progress, and away from the war crime era.