Torture. Is it nice? No. Does anyone want to employ torture techniques? Of course not. Is it sometimes necessary? Well, that’s a topic up for debate. Especially now as President Trump has had his say and is advocating the reintroduction of waterboarding and other controversial torture methods in extreme situations.

In an interview with ABC News, he told of his views on the subject. Despite torture being illegal in the US currently, he thinks that so-called ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ work…

“If they do want to do it, then I will work toward that end. I want to do everything within the bounds of what you’re allowed to do legally.”

“When ISIS is doing things that no one has ever heard of, since medieval times, would I feel strongly about waterboarding?

“As far as I’m concerned, we have to fight fire with fire. We’re not playing on an even field.”

“I want to do everything within the bounds of what you’re allowed to do legally. But do I feel it works? Absolutely, I feel it works.”

Trump then said that he would be entirely guided by his collection of cabinet members, which include CIA director Mike Pompeo (who has actually ruled out using torture before). It also includes Defence Secretary James Mattis, who is also an opponent of such techniques…

Here’s the part of the interview with ABC News when President Trump outlines his thoughts on waterboarding:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAjoH8UOQJw

What are your thoughts on waterboarding and other torture techniques? Should they be used when needed? Or is it never appropriate to torture another human being…?