Message #170476

[Lighthizer]

For some, the scrutiny and publicizing of past intelligence operations serves no purpose but to aid America's enemies. Former Vice President Dick Cheney spoke at length on the subject at a Washington forum in May.

"From the beginning of the [interrogation] program, there was only one focused and all-important purpose: we sought and we obtained specific information on terrorist plans," said Dick Cheney. "And to call this a program of torture is to libel [denigrate] the dedicated professionals who have saved American lives. After the most lethal and devastating terrorist attack ever, 7.5 years without a repeat is not a record to be rebuked and scorned, much less criminalized."

The Obama administration says the United States will follow interrogation guidelines set forth in the U.S. Army Field Manual, which conform with U.S. and international law.