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16 March 2009
There has been much discussion recently about what constitutes torture. Between research/travel in preparation for a return to Afghanistan and Iraq, I have been working on a couple of dispatches regarding torture. Meanwhile, several U.S. military officers -- all combat veterans -- have weighed in privately. All are staunchly opposed to torture. At least my opposition to torture is in good company with these veterans. We can beat the terrorists without it, and in fact can do far better without using barbaric methods. We get huge amounts of information from normal people when they realize we are morally superior to the terrorists. High ground is always tough to keep, and moral high ground is particularly tough to hold. But we can do it and will win battles because of that high ground.
According the United States Government, water boarding is in fact torture. Please carefully read this story -- sent to me by an American officer with multiple combat tours and the scars to show for it -- and please consider making a thoughtful comment.
Waterboarding Used to Be a Crime
By Evan Wallach
Washington Post
Sunday, November 4, 2007; Page B01As a JAG in the Nevada National Guard, I used to lecture the soldiers of the 72nd Military Police Company every year about their legal obligations when they guarded prisoners. I'd always conclude by saying, "I know you won't remember everything I told you today, but just remember what your mom told you: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." That's a pretty good standard for life and for the law, and even though I left the unit in 1995, I like to think that some of my teaching had carried over when the 72nd refused to participate in misconduct at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.
This matter requires much thoughtful conversation.
Your writer,
Michael Yon
