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To the Point

The psychological impact of US torture

In the aftermath of September 11, during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, legal advisors in the George W. Bush Administration signed off on so-called "enhanced interrogation" techniques to gather intelligence. They argued that it wasn't "torture" because there would not be long-term physical or psychological damage.

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By Warren Olney • Oct 11, 2016 • 1 min read

In the aftermath of September 11, during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, legal advisors in the George W. Bush Administration signed off on so-called "enhanced interrogation" techniques to gather intelligence. They argued that it wasn't "torture" because there would not be long-term physical or psychological damage. But nobody in the government has bothered to check to make sure that was true.

Mike Benedetti

Now the New York Times has published the first in a series of reports, "How US Torture Left a Legacy of Damaged Minds." The author is investigative reporter James Risen.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Paul von Zielbauer

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Christine Detz

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    James Risen

    New York Times

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