"Harsh C.I.A. Methods Cited in Top Qaeda Interrogations"
Describes some of the method apparently used in interrogation of top al-Qaeda detainees. I'm certainly no fan of terrorism, but I worry about the complete lack of both due process and accountability. Also, some of the actions described seem uncomfortably close to what reasonable individuals would call torture -- a form of punishment I don't think any amount of guilt or intelligence warrants.
Excerpt:
The authorized tactics are primarily those methods used in the training of American Special Operations soldiers to prepare them for the possibility of being captured and taken prisoners of war. The tactics simulate torture, but officials say they are supposed to stop short of serious injury. ...
Many authorities contend that torture and coercive treatment is as likely to provide information that is unreliable as information that is helpful. ...
One set of legal memorandums, the officials said, advises government officials that if they are contemplating procedures that may put them in violation of American statutes that prohibit torture, degrading treatment or the Geneva Conventions, they will not be responsible if it can be argued that the detainees are formally in the custody of another country. ...
The result was a series of secret agreements allowing the C.I.A. to use sites overseas without outside scrutiny.
Excerpt:
The authorized tactics are primarily those methods used in the training of American Special Operations soldiers to prepare them for the possibility of being captured and taken prisoners of war. The tactics simulate torture, but officials say they are supposed to stop short of serious injury. ...
Many authorities contend that torture and coercive treatment is as likely to provide information that is unreliable as information that is helpful. ...
One set of legal memorandums, the officials said, advises government officials that if they are contemplating procedures that may put them in violation of American statutes that prohibit torture, degrading treatment or the Geneva Conventions, they will not be responsible if it can be argued that the detainees are formally in the custody of another country. ...
The result was a series of secret agreements allowing the C.I.A. to use sites overseas without outside scrutiny.
// 5/12/2004 
