As I understand it, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed gave up the entire Al-Qaeda organization in Europe after being waterboarded for 2-1/2 minutes.

So what? In the process, we tossed our principles (google it) out the window. Mohammed won, we lost.

Military methods should be left to the military. These means should be A-1 classified & unavailable to bleeding-heart Libs who would sooner have the enemy given crumpets and backrubs. These are the same people who think you can tame a wild bear.

Military methods should be left to the military.

Like I said, Zero: for the Phebes of the world, anything worse than "How would you like your steak" is torture.

Who would you consider to be a reliable source, who has actually had access to the information recovered in these interrogations? Who in the world -- with the exception of the CIA employees, Bush Administration officials and military officers you refuse to believe -- has had any access at all to this information?

So you are pulling it out of your ass on specualtion.
Thanks for clearing that up.

The ones considered legal for use in his upcoming criminal trial.

So you're just a troll out here flaming. Thanks for clearing that up.

I see. Pointing out your arguemnt inadequacies equates to trolling in your eyes.

The ones considered legal for use in his upcoming criminal trial.

So much for Due Process. One would think there is enough evidence against bin Laden without having to torture him. Or do you think he would be found innocent?

The ones considered legal for use in his upcoming criminal trial.

So much for Due Process. One would think there is enough evidence against bin Laden without having to torture him. Or do you think he would be found innocent?

Uncle Buck, the number of people who believe the use of truth serum is "torture" has risen to 14. But the number of those who believe that religious humiliation is "torture" has remained at eight.

It isn't torture -- with the sole exception of "Inflicting physical pain: beatings, burning with cigarettes, electric shocks." But I observe that you don't object to torture for non-citizens. Does that make you a "torture perv," Malaclypse?

Waterboarding is regarded as torture by all civilized nations.

It isn't regarded as torture under Common Article 3 of the Third Geneva Convention.

And I object to torture under any circumstances, liar.

Well then, what did you mean by this, torture perv? "There is no excuse for torture. Not for Americans, anyway." It sounds to me as though you like the idea of torture -- as long as Americans aren't the ones being tortured. Perhaps you should clarify that statement.

In a world where people are selling uranium to terrorists on the black market...all bets are off...and if you beleive that those countries who say they won't do it...you are a fucking idiot.

I am curious to hear the rationale from those of you that voted that use of hallucinogenic drugs or truth serum and Forced Polygraph or other physical/psychological testing fits your definition of torture.

Why do you consider truth serums, polygraphs and other testing to be torture?

What methods barring those in the poll that you voted against would you consider both acceptable and effective at extracting actionable intelligence from a non-cooperative captive?

I would agree if such procedures had been shown to actually work. But to the contrary, they have been found to be the least effective way of gaining real, factually, and useful information.

Mostly what torture does is make us the bad guys too.

Can't argue their effectiveness, but I know that sometimes when the traditionally 'most effective' methods to get something done aren't working, sometimes I have to go with something a little less conventional or effective, just in case it works.

It would certainly make us look like bad guys though if we were doing it indiscriminately and/or significantly often.

Those who carry out torture, in recent times, have no right whatsoever to criticize others who have been doing it for ages.....for the very same reasons of course.

You may choose many (178 total votes)
Religious humiliation
9 05%

Sexual humiliation
18 10%

Threatening prisoner with dogs or other dangerous animals
21 12%

Inflicting physical pain i.e. beatings, burning with cigarettes, electric shock
30 17%

Real of insinuated threats of inflicting harm to family members or friends
15 08%

Waterboarding
25 14%

Use of hallucinogenic drugs or truth serum
15 08%

Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or loud noise
22 12%

Forced Polygraph or other physical/psychological testing
5 3%

Food or light deprivation
18 10%