The CIA rarely uses PHYSICAL TORTURE to obtain intelligence

[Jeffersons Ghost]

In fact, physical torture is primarily used to obtain confessions, like in Vietnam, where pilots were routinely tortured to solicit confessions. Although very few pilots believed that they committed war-crimes, many confessed to them. People will say ANYTHING to avoid extreme pain, which makes physical torture an unreasonable means of obtaining reliable information.

When it comes to gaining reasonable intelligence the CIA is a world class organization. Drugs combined with dynamic lighting and hypnosis remain mainstays in their arsenal of information-gathering techniques. This does not mean no physical torture is used by the agency. Indeed, physical torture - like highly-publicized water boarding - is primarily utilized to terrify foreign combatants and leaders. Most media hyped torture is simply a propaganda tool.

In a quest for usable information, however, some physical tactics, like sleep deprivation, are useful for inducing a deep trance. This type trance allows the CIA operative to use less drugs, which yields clearer, more concise communications from the subject.

"It should be emphasized that the covert administration of any drug (stimulant, hypnotic, or hallucinogenic agent) can produce an impact on the individual undergoing the stress of prolonged imprisonment and interrogation which goes beyond merely accelerating the fatigue, disturbed judgment, and other effects of the usual prolonged control pressures. The covertly administered drug can make the prisoner feel that the interrogation is affecting him more than it really is. It may make him feel that the interrogator is more powerful or more prescient than he really is, or that the situation has become more intolerable and inexorable than it is in fact."

https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol2no2/html/v02i2a06p_0001.htm

A subject can even be led to the conclusion that they are at Saint Peter's Gate, in Heaven, giving their final confession.

[orpupilofnature57]

1. Even less assassinations , the point is cost more in all way's ,always.

J.F.K. had the right idea for covert expertise ,just wasn't enough time.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

2. I'm not following you...

What was JFK's idea?

[orpupilofnature57]

3. abolish it all together ,Covert operations defy the ideals of Democracy

[Jeffersons Ghost]

4. that is nice in a perfect world, but...

This ole' planet isn't perfect. Covert operations are not only mandatory in preserving our republic, which isn't a true democracy, but also ANY form of government on Earth.

It's a tough place to raise a flag these days.

[orpupilofnature57]

6. Not perfect, just transparent and trustworthy ,other utopian delusions.

[JackRiddler]

8. This is a bright and shining lie. Covert operations have served to destroy the republic.

Secret power corrupts absolutely.

The record is clear: Waging war on the world's countries by way of "covert" operations has damaged any genuine interests of the American people far more than it has served such interests, unless of course you're willing to equate Halliburton's and Blackwater's interests with those of the American people.

Covert operations have produced a world of "Endless Enemies," to quote former Wall Street Journal reporter and PBS host Jonathan Kwitny. That's one of the biggest reasons why the world looks so unfriendly to the Machiavellian mindset that you express.

Oh, and by its constitution, let alone its historic reality, this country is a democracy as well as a republic (the two are not mutually exclusive categories). The Constitution begins with the words, "We the People" and speaks of the People at many points: that would be the demo in democracy. It protects natural rights of the people and specifies how they are to choose and change their government. That's democratic rule.

By what doctrine do nameless officials receive the right to arrogate secret authority, plan political operations around the world, maintain secret budgets, establish front groups, bribe journalists, work with organized crime and drug cartels, privatize government functions, evade oversight with "plausible deniability"?

Insofar as you allow that, that's not a republic or a democracy.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. The CIA thug's definition of "torture" is very flexible.

In a quest for usable information, however, some physical tactics, like sleep deprivation, are useful for inducing a deep trance. This type trance allows the CIA operative to use less drugs, which yields clearer, more concise communications from the subject.

"It should be emphasized that the covert administration of any drug (stimulant, hypnotic, or hallucinogenic agent) can produce an impact on the individual undergoing the stress of prolonged imprisonment and interrogation which goes beyond merely accelerating the fatigue, disturbed judgment, and other effects of the usual prolonged control pressures. The covertly administered drug can make the prisoner feel that the interrogation is affecting him more than it really is. It may make him feel that the interrogator is more powerful or more prescient than he really is, or that the situation has become more intolerable and inexorable than it is in fact."

Nah, it ain't torture, just the usual giggly frat-boy pranks.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

7. LOL, what's the harm in a little hazing among friends and lovers