Donald Trump’s Pick For CIA Director Gina Haspel Reportedly Tortured People | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC In this enlightening segment from MSNBC's "Velshi & Ruhle," the controversial nomination of Gina Haspel as CIA Director during Trump's administration is dissected. If confirmed, Haspel would have made history as the first woman to lead the CIA, yet her past associates her with the agency's notorious torture practices during the war on terror.
Key Highlights:
Gina Haspel's Background: Before her nomination, Haspel served for over 30 years as a CIA officer and was the Deputy Director at the time of her nomination. Much of her career was shrouded in secrecy, but reports reveal her significant involvement in the CIA's controversial interrogation tactics after the September 11 attacks.
Torture Allegations: Haspel was implicated in the management of a secret CIA prison in Thailand known for extreme interrogation techniques. These methods reportedly included waterboarding and other forms of physical and psychological abuse. During her time, one detainee was subjected to waterboarding 83 times within a month, highlighting the severity of the CIA’s actions which were later designated as torture by many legal standards .
Congressional and Public Sentiment: The segment features insights from intelligence officials, including former CIA officer Ned Price, who expressed concerns regarding the moral implications of Haspel's past actions as well as the potential repercussions for the agency's reputation. They discuss how laws today prohibit such practices, yet the fear of reverting to these methods remains a concern among the public and within the CIA itself.
Discussion on Legislative Impact: The commentary touches on the implications of individuals like Haspel and Pompeo in positions of power, emphasizing the importance of lawful engagement in intelligence matters, particularly related to torture. Malcolm Nance, a former intelligence officer, aligns with the viewpoint that heightened scrutiny and new laws enacted post-Bush administration should deter a return to such methods. This discussion is not only timely given the strategic implications of intelligence leadership but also reignites conversations about ethical conduct in national security and the long-lasting repercussions of wartime decisions.
Engage with the Community:
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