The War On Terror. America’s History of Torture in War (Part 10).
Russia Is A Terrorist State: Part 2 (2000s)
The War On Terror. America’s History of Torture in War (Part 10).
“President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, accompanied by Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, answer questions from members of the media outside the President's Crawford, Texas, home Friday, Aug. 8, 2003.” under public domain by White House photographer David Bohrer.
The use of torture and enhanced interrogation techniques by the United States during the War on Terror has been a topic of controversy for over two decades. In January 2022, Human Rights Watch published two articles on the topic, "20 Years of US Torture – and Counting" and "Legacy of the 'Dark Side'," that examine the lasting effects of these practices. The articles detail the torture and abuse suffered by detainees at Guantánamo Bay and other detention centers, including the use of waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and stress positions.
In January 2022, the United Nations condemned the "unrelenting human rights violations" at Guantánamo Bay, calling for its closure. The ACLU also released an article, "20 Years Later, Guantánamo Remains a Disgraceful Stain on Our Nation. It Needs to End," which argued for the immediate closure of the facility. The article cites the lack of due process, indefinite detention, and the use of torture as reasons why the facility must be closed.
Several articles, including "Torture at Guantanamo Bay makes us less safe" by USA Today, argue that the use of torture and enhanced interrogation techniques is counterproductive and actually undermines national security. The article contends that the use of such tactics has damaged America's reputation and encouraged retaliation by groups like Al-Qaeda.
The use of torture at Guantanamo Bay has been the subject of numerous legal battles. In March 2022, the US Supreme Court blocked testimony from CIA contractors who were involved in "enhanced interrogation" at Guantanamo Bay. The decision was criticized by the ACLU, which argued that it allowed the US government to hide the details of its torture program.
“President Donald J. Trump meets with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official Photo by Shealah Craighead)” under public domain by The White House
Psychologists who were involved in the CIA's enhanced interrogation program have been accused of complicity in torture, with one testifying that former CIA director Gina Haspel observed waterboarding during interrogations. A defamation case between the Sidley law firm and psychologists who designed the program highlights the ongoing legal battles over accountability for the torture program.
The release of a Pakistani man who was tortured by the CIA and held at Guantanamo Bay for 20 years has raised questions about the legality and morality of America's detention and interrogation policies. The man's allegations that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis observed his torture have prompted a response from DeSantis, who has denied the allegations. The DAILY BEAST has called for the prosecution of former President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Henry Kissinger, arguing that they should be held accountable for the use of torture during the War on Terror.
The ongoing debate over America's use of torture during the War on Terror highlights the tension between national security and human rights. While some argue that torture is necessary to protect national security, others argue that it is a violation of human rights and undermines the nation's moral authority. The continued detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and the refusal to provide full transparency and accountability for the torture program suggests that this issue will continue to be debated for years to come.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on March 29, 2023
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Putin Is A War Criminal
Russia Is A Terrorist State:
Part 1 (1990s)
Part 2 (2000s)
Part 3 (2011 - 2016)
Part 4 (2016 - 2019)
Part 5 (2020 - 2021)
Part 6: (2022+)
Sources for The War On Terror. America’s History of Torture in War (Part 10):
20 Years of US Torture – and Counting - Human Rights Watch January 9, 2022
Legacy of the “Dark Side” - Human Rights Watch January 9, 2022
Torture at Guantanamo Bay makes us less safe | Opinion - USA Today January 21, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court nixes CIA contractors' testimony on Guantanamo detainee - Reuters March 3, 2022
US releases Guantanamo prisoner once tortured at CIA sites - AP News February 2, 2023
US releases Guantanamo prisoner once tortured at CIA sites - ABC News February 2, 2023
Guantanamo detainee freed to Belize after 20 years in captivity - Al Jazeera February 2, 2023
U.S. releases Guantanamo prisoner once tortured at CIA sites - CBS News February 2, 2023
Pakistani man who was tortured by the CIA is released from Guantanamo Bay - NPR February 3, 2023
Former Guantanamo prisoner: Ron DeSantis watched me being tortured - Independent February 17, 2023
Ron DeSantis' Superior Speaks Out Amid Guantanamo Torture Accusations - Newsweek March 7, 2023