Senate Moves to Bolster CIA Torture Ban

The Senate overwhelming passed an amendment offered by Senators Dianne Feinstein and John McCain that reinforces existing policy banning the use of torture by the CIA. From the Associated Press:

Christopher Anders, senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the measure would permanently ban the CIA from using any tactics that the military cannot use and will prohibit the CIA from hiding detainees from the Red Cross.

“If enacted, the amendment will be a historic step towards helping ensure that the federal government never again uses torture and abuse,” Anders said.

Well, at least publicly.

Torture may not be the best way to fight terrorism. Unfortunately, unless we’re willing to replace torture with a World War II style total war against Islamic totalitarianism, innocent Americans will remain at risk.