The ongoing controversy of the torture memos

The ongoing saga of the released torture memos has gained new momentum as the Obama administration continues to catch flack for the publishing of the memos and the refusal to punish the perpetrators listed within them.

Throughout President Obama’s campaign to office he insisted “we should be looking forward and not backwards,” but it seems as though his decision to release the torture memos last week says otherwise.

Many, including major human rights organizations, believed his release of the memos would open the door to the prosecution of torturers, including those who authorized such harsh techniques such as former President George W. Bush.

But White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel ruled out prosecution of those who drafted the so-called torture memos last weekend, much to the anger of human rights organizations.

So what happens next?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that Congress will investigate the torture memos and possible prosecution of those involved.

“I myself do not believe that immunity should be granted to everyone in a blanket way,” Pelosi said.

Others are suggesting the government create a “truth commission” similar to those used in post-apartheid South Africa, to learn the truth of what occurred during the Bush administration.

Beside the potential prosecution of former President Bush, there is also a possibility of seeking charges against other key figureheads.

Former national security adviser Condoleezza Rice verbally approved the use of waterboarding in July 2002, while former Vice President Dick Cheney and former States Attorney Genera John Ashcroft were at least aware of the use of harsh interrogation measures being used in detention facilities, as stated in meeting notes from July 2003.

“According to CIA records, at the conclusion of that meeting, the principals reaffirmed that the CIA program was lawful and reflected administration policy,” the Senate report said.

Amnesty International took a firm stance on the issue of torture and misconduct during the Bush era stating, “In the years since 9/11, the U.S. government has repeatedly violated both international and domestic prohibitions on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in the name of fighting terrorism. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment must stop, and those responsible for authorizing and implementing it must be held accountable.”

As the events continue to unfold, it will be interesting to see if President Obama considers the past actions of the government as those made by a few “bad apples” or as the work of the entire Bush administration.