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May 20, 2009
Exclusive: Ask Willa: Former CIA Operations Officer – The Torture Memos
Dear Willa,
What is your opinion of the release of the so-called torture memos? Will this hurt or hinder CIA operatives in the future?
Thank you,
Joer
Joer:
As you know from all the media coverage of this topic, it is complex and deeply challenging. If I could give one answer, I would say that I believe the United States of America should operate within the framework of the Geneva Conventions – or, if not, develop with other nations a new accord which would work in this era of terrorism and nuclear proliferation. We are, after all, the world's great experiment in democracy, a land of high ideals and morality. And we do not want to lose that ground.
That said, it is hard to imagine what any of us would do if we were President and had access to captive terrorists with seemingly direct knowledge of al Qaeda (or other terrorist) plans, capabilities and intentions. There is no easy answer, but overall, I believe we should operate within an internationally accepted standard of conduct, particularly when the evidence remains slim that torture produces accurate information.
Thank you for your question.
Willa
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