Torture And Enhanced Torture

The ongoing debate between torture and enhanced interrogation techniques is, has been and always will be a hot controversial topic. Whether between different political views, cultures, world leaders or the citizens and society in general, the issue will always be of great importance. Some believe the two are the same, while others feel they differ. Either way, the methods and effectiveness are the major points for concern.

Throughout times and with the change of our world leaders, definitions, legislature and methods have all evolved and changed. Definitions often vary between political views and an agreed upon meaning will never be defined. The debate is focused around pain and suffering versus injury as well as effectiveness, which will be discussed more later. As explained perfectly in an article written by Phillip A. Quigley, ”… a new battle emerged at the forefront of American media attention: those who argued for the continued implementation of "enhanced interrogation" versus those who were vehemently opposed to "torture" and who called for its immediate end. The divide was based on political, legal, and ethical grounds, and those involved in the debate were inextricably entrenched in their respective positions. This battle lingers on today even as the GWOT has transitioned into the so-called "Overseas Contingency Operation" and the new presidential administration of President Barrack Obama has taken office. Whether or not these policies will change is yet to be determined, but thus far, the debate has been ripe with academics, lawyers, media commentators, and politicians espousing all form of opinion and recommendation”. More Democratic/Liberal views believe that torture and enhanced interrogation techniques are one in the ...

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...y any means necessary”. This is an individual who was on the front lines of the interrogations, has seen all of them methods and practices and is more than aware of the threat level of the individuals he was in contact with. For him to have this opinion that he does and to express it in the nature that he did through interviews and his book, that is a critical viewpoint that should be better noted throughout history.

Torture vs. enhanced interrogation is, has been, and always will be an extremely complex debate not only throughout our country, but also throughout the world. In a sense, it may be a necessary evil, but an unbiased, accurate decision on the effectiveness behind it will never be reached. Throughout history as times have changed, the before unthinkable crimes have occurred and punishments and methods of justice have evolved and will continue to do so.