CIA torture more than just a failure of justice

To deter US from torturing again, those involved should be prosecuted, if not the least that can be done is to enact policies to ensure its recurrence is less likely, says Kenneth Roth.

THE publication of the long-awaited summary of the US Senate Intelligence Committee report on the CIA’s torture provides a useful moment to consider the lessons learned from this sorry chapter in American history and the steps that might be taken to avoid its recurrence.

With the truth now told about this blatantly illegal policy, President Barack Obama has a chance to reverse his misguided refusal to prosecute the officials who authorized the torture, ending the impunity that sets a horrible precedent for future US presidents and governments worldwide.