Torture, specifically the act of waterboarding, has been used by American interrogators since the Vietnam War. Waterboarding simulates the experience of drowning, utilizing large quantities of water poured over the face into the breathing passages, and it is used to obtain information from victims (“Torture”). Interrogators are not using waterboarding for questioning at this time, however, our president-elect promises to bring the method back, as well as more severe techniques (Mora). A large amount of Americans agree with President-elect Trump; others are repulsed by even the suggestion of waterboarding. Should the use of waterboarding return?
Waterboarding is primarily used for the obtainment of information …show more content…
citizens. Many of these same Americans support President-elect Donald Trump, who stated he will restore the use of waterboarding, in addition to more severe torture methods. A supporter of Trump, Jo Ann Tieken, 71, says "You're dealing with people who don't play by any rules. And I can't see why we would tie our hands and take away options like waterboarding.” Tieken includes her views were influenced by her two step-grandson’s injuries, which they received while serving in Afghanistan (Kahn).
“Enhanced interrogation”, as torture has been termed by the George W. Bush administration, may not work. The Central Intelligence Agency has confirmed this (Constantini). Retired Army lieutenant general Harry Soyster, said waterboarding produces “bad intelligence”. “It ruins the subject, makes them useless for further interrogation. And it damages our credibility around the world." Soyster a was former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. President Barack Obama banned waterboarding, by executive order, in 2009 (“Torture”).
Should torture be once again instituted by American interrogators? No; torture is degrading, inhumane, and futile. Torture is a violation of human rights, and prohibited in international law (“Convention”). The use of waterboarding damages the American government’s credibility. The act should never