Originally Posted by aceventura3

I keep hearing this line of thought over and over. The first question that comes to my mind is: how do we know? Assuming the 'experts' who have come to this conclusion have not regularly engaged in actually 'torturing' people to get information, what is there conclusion based on. Can they point actual data or is the conclusion pure and simple speculation? Can they cite any scientific studies, or are they just basing the view on a theoretical hypothesis?

Again, I think there is a clear difference between using enhanced questioning techniques when seeking specific information based on evidence that the target knows the information and using 'torture' either for the simple sake of harming individuals or just seeking random bits of unknown information. I agree that if a 'foot soldier' is captured "positive reinforcement" may be the best way to get any information he has. However, if a high value target is captured, I would support the use of enhance interrogation techniques until his will is broken and he has disclosed the information needed. The available time would determine how quickly we should escalate the 'questioning'.