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Waterboarding Detainees

Summary

In 2006, the U.S. media revealed that the Bush administration had authorized waterboarding on "detainees" in the War on Terrorism. Waterboarding is an interrogation technique in which an immobilized prisoner has water poured over his or her face. The experience simulates drowning. Unlike other interrogation techniques, waterbaording does not leave physical evidence that is was applied.

Yes: Support Waterboarding Detainees

The United States is in a war on terrorism. As during any time of war, intelligence needs to be gathered from enemy prisoners in order to save American lives. Because these detainees do not operate under traditional military organizations, they are not afforded the right of prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention. As Vice President Dick Cheney said, endorsing waterboarding was a "no-brainer" if the information it yielded would save American lives.

You support this or similar arguments. 

No: Against Waterboarding Detainees

Waterboarding is torture, and the United States should not stoop to the level of it's enemies in order to win the war on terrorism. According to Sen. John McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, waterboarding is "torture", "no different than holding a pistol to his head and firing a blank" and can damage the subject's psyche "in ways that may never heal."

You support this or similar arguments.

 
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