Is He Against Torture?

Book reveals president signed off on controversial technique

(NEWSER) - For years, human rights activists have been trying to pin down who gave the CIA approval to waterboard detainees. Now they know: George W. Bush himself. In his new book Decision Points, Bush recounts being asked by the CIA whether it could use the controversial simulated drowning technique on Khalid Sheik Mohammed, according to the Washington Post . Bush’s reply? “Damn right.” More»

(NEWSER) - Republicans are slamming Nancy Pelosi for saying she felt she had no recourse when informed of harsh interrogation tactics in 2003, Politico reports. “If she felt it was wrong, she should have acted,” John McCain said. Some critics suggest the House speaker could have written a letter or requested a meeting with the president. A Pelosi aide said, “We were not in a position to change the policy.” More»

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama is set to prohibit waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques by mandating the CIA follow the US Army Field Manual when questioning suspects, the AP reports. But as the president-elect debates whether to make the changes through legislation or presidential fiat, the incoming administration is also considering a loophole that would allow controversial methods in pressing situations. More»

Fearing backlash, CIA sought and received support

(NEWSER) - The Bush administration gave its blessing in writing for the CIA to use waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques in two secret memos that have only now come to light, the Washington Post reveals. Intelligence officials sought to get something on paper in 2003—more than a year after the secret interrogation of al-Qaeda suspects began—to cover their backs in the event of public criticism, according to security sources. More»

He says terrorist threat remains; Dems don't have votes to override

(NEWSER) - President Bush today vetoed a bill that would have prevented the CIA from using harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding, the New York Times reports. "We need to ensure our intelligence officials have all the tools they need to stop the terrorists,” the president said. Democrats do not have the votes to override the veto. More»