Feith playing defense against interrogation accusations

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held its fourth hearing on Guantanamo Bay Interrogation Rules. Subpoenaed former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith gave testimony to counter accusations that he encouraged inhumane interrogation techniques.

Chairman of the Subcommittee, Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), said that the Bush administration authorized the use of torture, calling it a “disgrace.” He said that laws set forth in the Geneva Convention cannot be ignored by the administration in its favor. Douglas Feith used his testimony to defend himself against accusations made by author Philippe Sands in his book “Torture Team.” Feith first said that his subpoena to testify before the Subcommittee was unnecessary. He said that Sands portrayed him inaccurately and misquoted him several times. Feith said Sands wrote recklessly and carelessly in his book. Feith said he actually championed the Geneva Convention and only said that detainees are not worthy of POW status, because that would make intelligence impossible to gather. Feith added that he even wrote the policy for returning detainees.

Sands said at the hearing that he is open to free discussion of his book and stands to be corrected, but denies making any mistakes. From an interview, Sands quoted Feith as saying that all of the Geneva Committee does not apply to al-Qaeda detainees.

When Congressman Nadler asked Feith if interrogation tactics of questionable humanity should be allowed, Feith replied that it depends on how they are used.