Prisoner Abuse and National Security

Making News

Obama Interrupts Vacation to Ask Bernanke to Stay on at Fed ()

Just as Wall Street opened for business today, President Obama announced his decision to nominate Ben Bernanke to a second term as Chair of the Federal Reserve. Interrupting his vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, the President credited Bernanke’s “bold action and out-of-the-box thinking has helped put the brakes on our economic freefall.” Edmund Andrews reports for the New York Times.

Guests:

• Edmund Andrews: Chief Washington Economics Correspondent, New York Times

Main Topic

Prisoner Abuse and National Security ()

A lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union forced the Obama Administration to release a CIA Inspector General’s report kept secret since 2004. Now we know that CIA interrogators used a gun and a power drill, faked an execution, choked one prisoner and threatened to kill another one’s children. Former Vice President Dick Cheney says they deserve America’s gratitude.  Attorney General Eric Holder wants them investigated for possible crimes. President Obama established a new, Interagency Interrogation Group led by the FBI. Should policy-makers in the Bush White House be held accountable, too? Can the CIA still do its job? What’s the new role of the FBI? What does it take to protect America’s safety and obey the law?

Guests:

• R. Jeffrey Smith: National Investigative Correspondent, Washington Post
• Jane Mayer: Investigative Reporter, The New Yorker
• Tim Weiner: author, 'Legacy of Ashes: A History of the CIA'
• Amy Zegart: Associate Professor of Public Policy, UCLA

Links:

• Smith's article on Bush, Obama Administrations on 2004 CIA report
• Mayer's article about VP Cheney on executive privilege
• Mayer's 'The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals'
• Weiner's 'Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA'

Reporter's Notebook

England and Scotland Upset over Lockerbie Bomber's Release ()

Release of the Lockerbie bomber on grounds of “compassion” led to angry criticism of Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill. The jubilant reception for cancer-victim Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi on his return to Libya made matters worse. Yesterday, before the Scottish Parliament, MacAskill expressed regret for the manner in which Al-Megrahi was received and apparent disregard of the Libyan government's assurance that his return would low-key.” Magnus Linklater, Scottish Editor for the Times of London, considers what it could mean for MacAskill and Scotland's reputation.

Guests:

• Magnus Linklater: Scottish Editor, Times of London