Obama Further Distances Himself From Bush With Interrogation Unit

The White House is establishing something called the “High Value Detainee Interrogation Group” to create a new process of interrogating terrorism suspects. This is seen as a way to distance itself from the policies of BushCo, coming under increasing fire with the imminent release of a CIA report on past abuses.

The new group and new directives to rely soley on the Army Field Manual when interrogating prisoners is an attempt by the administration to separate itself from allegation that the Bush administration tortured some prisoners. While the practice of waterboarding – simulated drowning – already has been banned, the directive to stick only to procedures in the field manual means other harsh tactics, such as subjecting prisoners to loud music for long periods and sleep deprivation, are also now a thing of the past.

Now the question becomes to what extent, if any will there be prosecutions for past offenses.

Obama campaigned vigorously against President George W. Bush’s interrogation policies in his successful run for the presidency. He has said more recently he didn’t particularly favor prosecuting Bush administration officials in connection with instances of prisoner abuse. But the issue now before [Attorney General Eric] Holder  (pictured) for consideration would have the new administration do precisely that: reopen several such cases with an eye toward possible criminal prosecution.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.