Retired generals want torture revoked

by Jay McDonough

The other day I noted a Washington Post op-ed, written by a former interrogator, arguing for an end to the use of torture by American forces.  I included this comment:

After reading much on the topic, it seems that the great majority of career military - those who have seen war and understand its implications - steadfastly oppose torture and abuse.   The very vocal supporters of torture seem to be comprised of an awful lot of folks no military experience whatsoever.

I'll place my bet with those who know what they're actually talking about. (Link)

Today in Washington, a dozen retired generals and admirals will meet with Barack Obama and urge him to "make a clean, unequivocal break with the Bush administration's interrogation, detention and rendition policies".  The dozen represent a group of more than three dozen highly decorated retired military officers.

Top on the list is the CIA's authority, granted by the White House, to use harsh interrogation methods that go beyond those approved for use by the military. They are said to include prolonged sleep deprivation, painful stress positions and waterboarding, though the agency says the last method has not been used since 2003.

President George W. Bush vetoed legislation championed by the retired officers that would have held the CIA to the military's interrogation methods in March.

They argue that having two U.S. detainee treatment standards endangers American military personnel who may one day be captured, because it denies the U.S. government the moral authority to demand they are treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. (Link)

Barack Obama has denounced the use of torture and said "Torture is how you create enemies, not how you defeat them."