What Did Pelosi Know?
The official paper trail about torture has apparently caught up with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has claimed that she wasn't aware of the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" on suspected al-Qaida operatives -- but it now seems that she may well have been among the first to know.
The official paper trail about torture has apparently caught up with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has claimed that she wasn’t aware of the use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” on suspected al-Qaida operatives — but it now seems that she may well have been among the first to know.
Dig, Root, GrowThe Washington Post:
In a 10-page memo outlining an almost seven-year history of classified briefings, intelligence officials said that Pelosi and then-Rep. Porter Goss (R-Fla.) were the first two members of Congress ever briefed on the interrogation tactics. Then the ranking member and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, respectively, Pelosi and Goss were briefed Sept. 4, 2002, one week before the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The memo, issued by the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency to Capitol Hill, notes the Pelosi-Goss briefing covered “EITs including the use of EITs on Abu Zubaydah.” EIT is an acronym for enhanced interrogation technique. Zubaydah was one of the earliest valuable al-Qaeda members captured and the first to have the controversial tactic known as water boarding used against him.
This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.
Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.
Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.
This spring, stand with our journalists.
Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.
Donate today.
Gina Haspel's confirmation as CIA director sends a message to future administrations that those who authorize and facilitate torture will escape liability.
The newly appointed CIA director's career at the intelligence agency spans more than three decades. While her work is shrouded in secrecy, two things are well known.
The nomination of CIA Deputy Director Gina Haspel to be the agency's new director returns the U.S. to the bad old days of torture and secret prisons.
Politics
Gina Haspel, President Trump's pick to head the CIA, has played a key role in the agency's torture program—and in covering it up.
If the government decides you are an “enemy combatant,” you cannot defend yourself in court It’s a terrible precedent and a threat even to US citizens We should immediately release the alleged terrorist If the government decides you are an “enemy combatant,” you cannot defend yourself in court.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.