Waterboarding

Definition

Waterboarding is a form of torture that simulates drowning by pouring water over a cloth covering the face, causing intense panic and distress. This technique gained notoriety in the context of U.S. counterterrorism efforts after the September 11 attacks, as it was employed by military and intelligence agencies to extract information from suspected terrorists during interrogations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Waterboarding was officially sanctioned by the U.S. government in the wake of the September 11 attacks as part of its enhanced interrogation program.
2. The technique sparked widespread controversy and condemnation both domestically and internationally, with many human rights organizations arguing that it constitutes torture.
3. Notable figures, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, defended its use by arguing that it was necessary for national security and had helped prevent further terrorist attacks.
4. Critics argue that waterboarding is not only inhumane but also often produces unreliable information, as subjects may say anything to stop the torture.
5. In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order banning the use of waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques, reaffirming a commitment to humane treatment of detainees.

Review Questions

• How did the use of waterboarding relate to the broader context of U.S. counterterrorism strategies after the September 11 attacks?
  • After the September 11 attacks, waterboarding became part of a controversial set of enhanced interrogation techniques employed by U.S. intelligence agencies in their counterterrorism strategies. The government justified its use as necessary for obtaining vital information from suspected terrorists to prevent future attacks. This period marked a significant shift in interrogation practices, prioritizing security over ethical considerations.
• Evaluate the ethical implications surrounding the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique in the post-9/11 era.
  • The ethical implications of using waterboarding are deeply contested. Critics assert that it constitutes torture and violates both U.S. law and international human rights standards, undermining America's moral authority on the global stage. Proponents argue that its use was justified for national security reasons, claiming it led to actionable intelligence. However, this debate highlights the tension between security measures and ethical governance.
• Assess how the implementation and subsequent backlash against waterboarding influenced U.S. policies on torture and interrogation techniques moving forward.
  • The implementation of waterboarding and the backlash against it significantly influenced U.S. policies on torture and interrogation techniques. The widespread condemnation from human rights groups and legal experts led to a reevaluation of these practices. Following public outcry and legal challenges, President Obama’s administration moved to ban waterboarding and similar techniques altogether, reflecting a shift toward adherence to international human rights standards and a commitment to humane treatment of all detainees.

Related terms

Enhanced Interrogation Techniques: A term used by U.S. officials to describe methods of interrogation that go beyond standard practices, often involving physical and psychological pressure, including waterboarding.

Torture: The intentional infliction of severe physical or psychological pain on an individual, often to obtain information, punish, or intimidate.

CIA:

The Central Intelligence Agency, a U.S. government agency responsible for gathering and analyzing national security information from around the world, which was involved in implementing controversial interrogation techniques post-9/11.