NPR Series: The Question of Torture https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5517003 The line between interrogation and torture can be a fine one. How is torture defined, and is there ever a case to be made for it, say when national security is at stake? In a series of discussions, we examine how the U.S. government interrogates its prisoners, and the question of torture. en Copyright 2024 NPR - For Personal Use Only Story API Shim 1.2.24 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:03:28 -0400 https://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/primary/npr_generic_image_300.jpg?s=200 NPR Series: The Question of Torture https://www.npr.org/series/5517003/the-question-of-torture Interrogator Questions Stressful Techniques Former Army interrogator Tony Lagouranis talks with Steve Inskeep about the tactics he used on Iraqi detainees, such as isolating them for weeks at a time. Lagouranis says that, overall, very little intelligence was gained through stressful interrogation tactics. Fri, 30 Jun 2006 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/30/5523727/interrogator-questions-stressful-techniques https://www.npr.org/2006/06/30/5523727/interrogator-questions-stressful-techniques Former Army interrogator Tony Lagouranis talks with Steve Inskeep about the tactics he used on Iraqi detainees, such as isolating them for weeks at a time. Lagouranis says that, overall, very little intelligence was gained through stressful interrogation tactics.

]]> The Drawbacks of Fighting Terrorism with Torture In a desperate drive to catch suspected terrorists, the United States is using torture and other harsh interrogation techniques. But that can often lead to wild goose chases because of unreliable information generated under duress, the author of a new book says. Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:01:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5519633/the-drawbacks-of-fighting-terrorism-with-torture https://www.npr.org/2006/06/29/5519633/the-drawbacks-of-fighting-terrorism-with-torture

In a desperate drive to catch suspected terrorists, the United States is using torture and other harsh interrogation techniques. But that can often lead to wild goose chases because of unreliable information generated under duress, the author of a new book says.

]]> Steve Inskeep 'Oath Betrayed' Questions Doctors' Roles in Torture In the spring of 2004, when Americans were horrified by the pictures of abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, medical-ethics expert Steven Miles had just one question: Where were the doctors? Miles, himself a doctor, has written a book about how the medical profession failed to perform its role as protector. Wed, 28 Jun 2006 11:05:45 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/28/5516533/oath-betrayed-questions-doctors-roles-in-torture https://www.npr.org/2006/06/28/5516533/oath-betrayed-questions-doctors-roles-in-torture

In the spring of 2004, when Americans were horrified by the pictures of abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, medical-ethics expert Steven Miles had just one question: Where were the doctors? Miles, himself a doctor, has written a book about how the medical profession failed to perform its role as protector.

]]> Steve Inskeep Rules Should Govern Torture, Dershowitz Says Torture is never acceptable, but it's a reality that should be covered by rules, Alan Dershowitz says. The lawyer and Harvard Law School professor says the president should be held responsible for acts of torture and be required to sign torture warrants. Tue, 27 Jun 2006 00:01:00 -0400 https://www.npr.org/2006/06/27/5512634/rules-should-govern-torture-dershowitz-says https://www.npr.org/2006/06/27/5512634/rules-should-govern-torture-dershowitz-says Scroll down to read an excerpt from his book, Preemption: A Knife That Cuts Both Ways.'/>

Torture is never acceptable, but it's a reality that should be covered by rules, Alan Dershowitz says. The lawyer and Harvard Law School professor says the president should be held responsible for acts of torture and be required to sign torture warrants.

]]> Steve Inskeep