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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Is Torture Endorsed in 'Zero Dark Thirty?'

The US Senate Intelligence Committee has yet to release its findings about the use of "coercive techniques" -- which many call "torture" -- in the search for Osama bin Laden. But Committee members, after examining millions of pages of evidence, say "waterboarding" was not the key.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

The US Senate Intelligence Committee has yet to release its findings about the use of "coercive techniques" -- which many call "torture" -- in the search for Osama bin Laden. But Committee members, after examining millions of pages of evidence, say "waterboarding" was not the key. A new film incorrectly suggests that it was, according to one unpaid advisor to the filmmakers. Roughly the first half hour of Zero Dark Thirty depicts the abuse of the detainee, strung to the ceiling, beaten, deprived of sleep, forced to expose himself to a female agent and waterboarded. Peter Bergen is CNN's national security analyst and author of two books that were drawn on by the writer and director of the film.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Peter Bergen

    CNN / New America Foundation

    NewsNationalPolitics
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