Lawfare--the tale of the CIA tapes

While the CIA has given its reasons for destroying the interrogation tapes there are probably some unstated reasons. The stated reasons are that "the tapes were destroyed to protect the identities of the CIA interrogators from members of al-Qaeda and other terrorists who might try to retaliate. (And,) made to safeguard against unlawful treatment of detainees...."

I think one of the reasons they were destroyed was the value they would have to al Qaeda if they were produced for defense council in any trials of al Qaeda suspects. The terrorist could learn our methods of interrogation and what we know. This could have a devastating effect on on going operations and future operations.

It is another example of trying to blend the lawfare model with the warfare model for fighting the terrorist who are at war with us.

There is also the possibility that Democrats would use the tapes for political reasons to attack the CIA and the officers responsible for the interrogations. The reaction to the destruction of the tapes suggest this fear is well founded.

Some on the left have characterized these tapes as "torture tapes." The fact is they do not know. They are speculating based on descriptions of others that enhanced interrogation was used. It is irresponsible to make the assertion that the tapes contain scenes of torture when no one who saw them has supported that contention.