Terror and Torture
I am opposed to all forms of torture for many reasons. Nevertheless:
Two of my father’s colleagues were severely injured in the Jakarta hotel bombings, and while both are expected to survive they have suffered and will continue to suffer extraordinarily as innocent victims of a murderous act of premeditated violence. One has extensive burns and wounds over his face and body from flying glass; the other had a leg “shattered,” and both will need multiple operations. Of course: many others weren’t so lucky.
My father wrote to me today with the following questions, and should you like to answer them I’d be interested in your replies, but do keep in mind that to write something uncivil simply because we believe ourselves right exemplifies why discourse is usually fruitless. He wrote:
“Pause now to reflect for a moment on the days and nights (including no doubt today and tonight -right now) of pain and anguish these men are in for. Consider that there will be effects that last for the rest of their lives.
(1) Now tell me whether these considerations weigh or should weigh in how we think about the “enhanced” interrogation techniques used on Mullah Omar and other important terrorists likely to possess critical information.
(2) Is it relevant that, forced to choose, most of us would readily submit to water boarding and sleep deprivation before going through what the Americans and Indonesians are experiencing? If not, why not?
(3) Is it relevant that the victims of enhanced interrogation techniques can stop their ordeal by answering questions, but the victims of terrorist bombs can’t? Explain your answer.”
I have my own answers to some of these questions, and particularly the last one, but I am curious of yours. Lengthier comments are welcome here. Thoughts?
