Introduction: The Truth About Torture”
Conducting a self-styled polemic on the McCain Amendment, which addresses the ban on torture, Krauthammer elevates the very notion of torture to an unemotional calculation in his article “The Truth About Torture.” In his discussion of the amendment and the treatment of prisoners of war, Krauthammer categorizes prisoners into three types: legal war prisoners with full rights according to the Geneva Conventions, terrorists (who are not considered war prisoners), and those who engage in terrorism as a profession (Krauthammer 618). He targets the second and third categories, asserting that, by definition, they are subhumans and therefore not entitled to any rights. He argues that they should be treated differently from prisoners of war but does not advocate for torture outright, stating, “Torture is not always permissible” (919).
Furthermore, Krauthammer classifies terrorists into two types: those with information about imminent plans and those with long-term plans. While arguing in favor of using torture in certain “legitimate exceptions” to extract information, he emphasizes the importance of upholding moral values to distinguish Americans from terrorists. To support his stance on torture, he points out that it was not employed after the first attack on the World Trade Center, leading to the second wave of attacks that resulted in the death of over 3,000 people and allowed Al-Qaeda to take initiative. I believe that Krauthammer not only misapplies legal points but also provides flawed ethical considerations for torture, advocating for its dispassionate use.
Legality: “The Truth About Torture”
Concerning legality, the McCain Amendment employs language identical to that used by the founding fathers of the Constitution or the Geneva Convention, specifying that torture is deemed “cruel, inhuman, or degrading” (617). While it is true that the U.S. Constitution safeguards the liberty of every individual regardless of place, identity, or citizenship, Charles Krauthammer argues that in cases involving enemy combatants or terrorists who pose a serious threat and may have crucial information, the use of calculated torture, especially in the scenario of a “ticking bomb,” is deemed appropriate for extracting valuable information. However, he does not explicitly address whether such actions would violate the constitution, human rights, or fundamental moral values of America.
Krauthammer suggests the involvement of a quasi-judicial body with some legal cover to oversee such cases, yet this proposal lacks clarity regarding accountability if the subjected terrorist is found innocent, and it does not align with the legal perspective. While he cites the Israeli example to support his argument, he fails to acknowledge that the use of force in that case resulted in the captors’ location being revealed but at the cost of the death of an Israeli soldier, a scenario distinct from those Krauthammer presents. Notably, he neglects to delve into the Constitution and omits any reference to rulings by the Supreme Court. Although he quotes Stuart Taylor, who argues for using interrogation techniques corresponding with the weight of the information, Krauthammer does not explore the implications of granting such permission, which could potentially open the door for abuse by other soldiers. This risk is exemplified in cases like the notorious Abu Ghraib prison and Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase incidents. Therefore, Krauthammer’s argument appears flawed on legal and constitutional grounds.
Ethical Considerations: “The Truth About Torture”
In his second argument, Charles Krauthammer introduces ethical considerations, asserting that terrorists, who make terrorism their livelihood, are not entitled to the status of prisoners of war because of their involvement in killing others. He overlooks the principle that in love and war, there is no clear-cut law, and the Geneva Conventions are formulated to provide maximum protection to human dignity and life without distinguishing between a terrorist and a soldier. The example of individuals involved in the invention and manufacture of nuclear bombs, who possess the same capacity and ability to cause mass casualties, is notably absent from his discussion. This omission raises questions about the consistency of his ethical stance.
Furthermore, Krauthammer makes an unsupported claim that Islam’s holy book “inspires their barbarism” without providing valid evidence (618). Contrary to his assertion, the Quran does not endorse terrorist attacks like those on the World Trade Center. Additionally, he offers an ethical consideration that torture is inhuman and corrupting to both individuals and society, asserting that “we are civilized people” (622). However, he paradoxically supports the use of torture, claiming it can be applied in a measured way that is distinct from the corruption he earlier emphasized. This raises a fundamental contradiction—how can an inhumane method, acknowledged as corrupting, be used in a measured and civilized manner?
Krauthammer’s proposal of using torture in a “measured” way raises concerns about its potential misuse, particularly when individuals in power determine who has information and how this inhuman method should be calibrated. The risk of corruption and abuse remains significant, and the ethical implications of endorsing torture as a means to an end warrant careful consideration.
Argument in “The Truth About Torture”
In Krauthammer’s third argument, not only is his perspective twisted, but it also lacks passion, as he consistently refers to terrorists as “subhuman,” suggesting they are not human beings and should be treated accordingly. Simultaneously, he explicitly asserts that Americans and American values are not only superior but also compassionate, advocating for freedom and liberty for everyone, regardless of whether they are a terrorist, a soldier, or a person of color. To establish credibility, he incorporates surgical terms such as “gleaning information, calculated use of force, interrogation techniques, psychological pressure” (625-626), drawing on his educational background. However, these terms may not be convincing to a legal mind.
Paradoxically, while Krauthammer seemingly advocates for a passionless approach, he concludes that interrogation rules should be morally compelled to do terrible things, emphasizing the moral force behind using torture. The contradiction arises in how one can claim moral uprightness when using passionless words to dehumanize the other party, treating them as subhumans or machines. This approach runs counter to moral principles as passions like revenge and vengeance invariably influence treatment. Furthermore, using this argument against Muslims appears rooted in revenge, ignoring the fact that not every Muslim shares the traits of individuals like Khalid Sheikh or Osama Bin Laden. Krauthammer’s reliance on revenge as a motivator undermines the moral principles of humanity, even as he acknowledges that torture is “degrading.”
Conclusion: “The Truth About Torture”
In short, while Krauthammer employs a fluid prose style to present his arguments, a closer examination reveals contradictions in his legal points, advocating against inhuman and degrading torture while also suggesting legal loopholes for its use. His ethical considerations lack consistency, as he at times equates torture with the moral twin of capital punishment and degrades would-be terrorists to the status of subhumans, machines, or even animals, despite acknowledging that even animals have rights. These ethical contradictions undermine the persuasiveness of his arguments.
Moreover, Krauthammer’s proposed hypothesis does not align with historical realities, and his assertion that torture is endemic contradicts his support for its limited use under a quasi-judicial body. The effectiveness of such a body in preventing the indiscriminate spread of torture remains questionable. As a result, Krauthammer’s proposals for limited or severe interrogative techniques fall short of convincing American legal minds and constitutional experts.
Works Cited: “The Truth About Torture”
- Krauthammer, Charles. “The Truth About Torture.” Model for Writers: Short Essays for Composition. Ed. Alfred Rosa & Paul Eschholz. 11th ed. Bedford / St. Martin’s. Boston. 2012. Print. 616-626.
Relevant Questions: “The Truth About Torture”
- What legal and ethical considerations does Charles Krauthammer present in his article “The Truth About Torture,” and how does he reconcile potential contradictions in these arguments?
- How does Krauthammer address the use of torture in the context of terrorism, and what implications does he suggest for the treatment of individuals deemed as terrorists?
- In “The Truth About Torture,” what is Krauthammer’s perspective on the role of a quasi-judicial body in overseeing the use of torture, and how does he contend with concerns about potential abuse and the spread of such practices?
