CIA black site detainee served as training prop to teach torture techniques (theguardian.com)

Article summary

Ammar al-Baluchi, a detainee at a CIA black site in Afghanistan, was subjected to torture techniques, including being slammed against a wall, as part of a training program for interrogators. The techniques were used without approval and resulted in brain damage. The CIA was aware that al-Baluchi's detention was conducted 'extra-legally' and that the torture did not yield any useful intelligence. The case has been in pre-trial hearings for 10 years, with the defense arguing that the torture has rendered al-Baluchi unfit for trial.

Main themes

• CIA torture
• accountability
• presidential power
• national security
• Guantanamo Bay
• US government corruption

What commenters say

• The CIA's actions are a clear example of the need for greater accountability and oversight of intelligence agencies.
• The use of torture is never justified and is a violation of human rights.
• The presidency is not as powerful as it seems, and presidents are often limited by the actions of other branches of government and external factors.
• The CIA's power and influence are so great that they can blackmail and intimidate even the president.
• The Obama administration had the opportunity to close Guantanamo and end the use of torture, but failed to do so due to political considerations.
• The Republican party's opposition to Obama's policies was a major factor in the failure to achieve bipartisan cooperation.
• The CIA's actions are a symptom of a larger problem of corruption and abuse of power within the US government.
• The use of the 'national security' excuse to justify secrecy and cover up wrongdoing is a threat to democracy and accountability.