Alleviating Torture Anxiety
Early reports that John Brennan was on the short list to be Obama’s CIA Director or Director of National Intelligence drew justified condemnation. The man, after all, had been an ardent supporter of the Bush administration’s torture regime. So it’s a great relief that he’s withdrawn his name from consideration for either post.
A wise friend of mine recently prayed that the President-elect be granted discernment, wisdom and courage as he is given the full breadth of national security secrets. I’ve often wondered what Obama would do if given a for-your-eyes-only briefing that information obtained via torture had prevented a 9/11-scale attack. Sure, it’s easy to say things like “never” and “without exceptions” from a distance. But it’s another thing entirely to have the guardians of a secret realm of knowledge present you with evidence that “enhanced interrogation techniques” saved lives. Weighing such matters of life, death and faith in an environment of secrecy is a test of faith. So I’m glad that the person giving him the briefing isn’t someone with a history of supporting torture.