Mental damage from CIA tactics is disputed

[cal04]

Justice memos say no permanent harm was inflicted from interrogation techniques, but some doctors and psychologists disagree
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-psychology20-2009apr20,0,139316.story

The conclusion in recently released Justice Department memos that CIA interrogation techniques would not cause prolonged mental harm is disputed by some doctors and psychologists, who say that the mental damage incurred from these practices is significant and undeniable.

An August 2002 memo outlined 10 interrogation techniques used on top Al Qaeda suspects, including waterboarding, stress positions and -- for one prisoner with a known fear of insects -- cramped confinement with a bug. Other memos also described such techniques.

"I disagree wholeheartedly with their contention that there are no long-term psychological effects of these treatments," said Nina K. Thomas, an adjunct clinical associate professor of NYU's postdoctoral program in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, who has worked with torture victims from Burma and Africa.

Interrogation techniques undoubtedly have lasting effects, she said, such as paranoia, anxiety, hypervigilance and "the destruction of people's personalities."

(snip)
David Rivkin, who served in the Justice Department under Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush, defended the practices. The military has been subjecting its own to these techniques for years during training, he said.

"If this is torture, we've been torturing our own soldiers for years," Rivkin said. "Why is it that we are all of a sudden revolted and aghast?"

[Solly Mack]

1. Yes! and this also came out when the other set of memos were released

[snot]

2. it's not the same when you know it's just a training exercise.

[PDJane]

3. OK, just what isn't clear?

yes, you do torture your soldiers. Yes, you have been teaching torture and murder for years, at the school of the Americas.

Please tell me what, in God's name, is not clear? You've killed and injured soldiers during this 'training.'

Why does this excuse the use of torture?

You have subjected servicepersons to fallout, to du, to chemicals, to vaccinations given in bunches, because the pentagon can't be bothered to keep on top of booster shots, soldiers have been given experimental drugs and vaccines.

THE UNITED STATES TORTURES, AND IT STARTS WITH ITS OWN SOLDIERS.