Brian's Blog

Aww hell, since I'm on a political kick against torture here's a little bit more. I've been loosely following this story for a while now but I've never seen this interview. Somehow, I think if our media would show exactly what sort of "interrogation" methods they use in full graphic detail we'd have more of an outcry against this sort of thing.



I'm not sure exactly what Mr. Arar was subject to but it's been written in the news in several places about the use of Waterboarding as an interrogation technique. The media makes is sound not so bad by calling it a "method that simulates the sensation of drowning." I don't think most people have every been the subject of any serious level of asphyxiation so unfortunately the majority probably don't get just how traumatic and terrible the feeling can be.

Wikipedia has an article on just what waterboarding is. If you read this and really think about it it makes your skin crawl. Of particular interest is this quote from the Modern waterboarding section:

The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt. According to the sources, CIA officers who subjected themselves to the water boarding technique lasted an average of 14 seconds before caving in. They said al Qaeda's toughest prisoner, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, won the admiration of interrogators when he was able to last over two minutes before begging to confess.

If this is such a gentle from of torture (if that isn't an oxymoron I don't know what is) then how can supposedly tough CIA officer last only 14 seconds?

But always -- do not forget this, Winston -- always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face -- for ever.' - Orwell, George. "1984".

If you are still on the fence take a look at this video where they demonstrate waterboarding. This crazy guy arranges to be waterboarded to show people what it is really like.