From surveillance to torture: The evolution of US interrogation practices during the War on Terror

Abstract

The war on terrorism weakened the distinction between observing suspicious bodies and torturing them. This article examines 'enhanced interrogation' (or torture) practices developed after 9/11 and considers that techniques used overseas by the United States may be applied domestically. The role of the FBI is highlighted since it now has assumed the central authority to interrogate all terrorist suspects held by the United States. Although enhanced interrogation no longer is permitted, the conservative perspective still views it as legitimate conduct and ignores the victimization of innocent people misidentified as terrorists.