White House backed release of Lockerbie bomber

[CRedskinsRule]

12th, maybe this is a little of the problem. From the CNN article you linked:

Obama said most Americans were "surprised, disappointed and angry" about the decision to let al Megrahi go. "We should have all the facts," he added. "They should be laid out there." The decision "ran contrary to how we should be treating terrorists."

contrasted with this quote from the OP article:

The US has tried to keep the letter secret, refusing to give permission to the Scottish authorities to publish it on the grounds it would prevent future "frank and open communications" with other governments.

So, do we lay it all out, or prevent the letter's disclosure. If Pres Obama thinks the letter should not be published, then he should state that some facts can't be released at this time, due to the strategic nature of the conversations, or national interests, or what ever he wants to say. But don't tell the national media that all the facts should be laid out, and at the same time have your administration trying to suppress a key letter.