Allegations of torture continue to strike an emotional chord in the United States.

Hello, I’m Charlotte Bellis and you’re watching Newsy.com.
“Undeniable claim of a war crime here. The evidence is insurmountable.” (MSNBC)
“The evidence has come out and will come out in coming months show these techniques were not meaningfully successful.” (CNN)
“Don’t torture for me. If my country tortures, I want off that train.” (FOX News)

The Wall Street Journal and FOX News suggest if the Obama administration pursues legal action against Bush administration officials, it would face endless legal problems in proving malicious intent:

First the Wall Street Journal - “Top officials could argue they relied on the legal memos that authorized the tactics and outlined how specific techniques in question wouldn't cause severe pain and suffering.” (Wall Street Journal)

“What they’re suggesting would essentially be a witch hunt, go after lawyers who approved stuff. Lawyers offer legal advice. It’s that slippery slope. How do you go back after and redefine?”
(FOX News)

The Young Turks reports at least one prisoner of war was water boarded more than 180 times:

“There are only two possible answers—one you get a thrill out of it… OR you didn’t really think it worked the first 183 times! I thought you got good info—did he resist and not give you enough the first 182 times??” (The Young Turks)

US News and World Report
suggests the issue is getting sticky for the Obama administration. It headlines: “White House Seen as Struggling to Control Torture Story.”

CBS reports a group of senators have appealed to president Obama in a letter, saying:

"Pursuing such prosecutions would, we believe, have serious negative effects on the candor with which officials in any administration provide their best advice, and would take our country in a backward-looking direction.” (CBS)

But a psychologist told Politico: “If there is no truth and no consequences, there will only be further violations in the future, of both our civil liberties and international law.” (Politico)

Stay with Newsy.com as we continue to follow this story as it unfolds, and please share your thoughts, comments and suggestions with us.

U.S. News

To Prosecute, or Not to Prosecute

April 23, 2009
(2:32)
The debate rages on whether the Obama administration should pursue prosecution of Bush administration officials for interrogation techniques used on terrorism suspects.
   
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