Intelligence Group: US Interrogation Techniques Based on Nothing
According to a new report from the Intelligence Science Board, an intelligence advisory group, there “is almost no scientific evidence to back up the U.S. intelligence community’s use of controversial interrogation techniques in the fight against terrorism, and experts believe some painful and coercive approaches could hinder the ability to get good information.” The report added that “that no significant scientific research has been conducted in more than four decades about the effectiveness of many techniques the U.S. military and intelligence groups use regularly,” and that this lack of research may be partially responsible for the abuses reported in American-run detention facilities. (The Washington Post)
Scenes from a Jury Selection
Jury selection began yesterday in the Scooter Libby trial, with “[Libby’s] lawyers trying to eliminate as jurors anyone who might have strongly negative feelings about the Bush administration in general and Vice President Dick Cheney in particular.” The presiding judge hopes to have a fair and balanced jury ready to hear opening statements by Monday. (The New York Times)
Anti-Pork Bill Passes Senate
The “Senate voted unanimously yesterday to adopt a Republican-backed measure to limit pork-barrel spending,” despite initial opposition from Majority Leader Harry Reid, who last week failed to kill the bill before changing course. (The Washington Times, AP)
Two Charged in Oil-for-Food Case
Benon Savar, the a former UN official, and Ephraim Nadler, brother-in-law of former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, were charged yesterday with bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud â both in connection with the UN’s oil-for-food program, which Savar had headed. (Reuters)
AIPAC Trial to Start in June
The espionage trial of two former executives at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee will begin in June. “The Justice Departmentâs case against Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman was initially expected to begin early last year but has been weighed down by deliberations over which classified materials should be admissible in court, according to the attorney.” (The Wall Street Journal)
GOP Pushes for Further Restrictions on Convicted Lawmakers
“Democrats angling to kill retirement benefits for lawmakers convicted of certain crimes are getting a challenge, from across the aisle, to go further.” (Roll Call, sub. req.)
ACLU Finds Antiwar Protestors in Defense Dept. Threat Database
The ACLU got their hands on a Defense Department memo discussing Talon, the database the DoD uses for “gathering information on potential threats to military facilities and personnel.” Of the database’s 13,000 entries, 2,821 were American citizens. After examining the entries, the Pentagon deleted “1,131 reports involving Americans, 186 of which dealt with ‘anti-military protests or demonstrations in the U.S.'” (The Washington Post)
