Tweet
What do you know? American "torture" worked...
Whether you consider the following techniques...
... to be "torture" or not, it has become pretty clear that they work and have played an important role in the fight against Al Qaeda.
So I ask you, why should I give a **** about the CIA using these techniques on high-ranking al Qaeda leaders when a) use of these techniques is effective and helps prevent future terrorist attacks on America, b) these al Qaeda leaders don't qualify for protection under the Geneva Convention and sure as **** don't display a regard for the treatment and dignity of our servicemen and civilians that would call for reciprocity on our part, and c) these techniques don't seem to cause intense pain or lasting physical damage, thereby falling short of what I and who knows how many others actually consider to be "torture"? I know I'm supposed to be outraged or something, but can someone please explain to me why?
1. The Attention Grab: The interrogator forcefully grabs the shirt front of the prisoner and shakes him.
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
... to be "torture" or not, it has become pretty clear that they work and have played an important role in the fight against Al Qaeda.
So I ask you, why should I give a **** about the CIA using these techniques on high-ranking al Qaeda leaders when a) use of these techniques is effective and helps prevent future terrorist attacks on America, b) these al Qaeda leaders don't qualify for protection under the Geneva Convention and sure as **** don't display a regard for the treatment and dignity of our servicemen and civilians that would call for reciprocity on our part, and c) these techniques don't seem to cause intense pain or lasting physical damage, thereby falling short of what I and who knows how many others actually consider to be "torture"? I know I'm supposed to be outraged or something, but can someone please explain to me why?
Comment