Destruction of videotapes documented in CIA e-mail

AP via Yahoo! News ^ | April 16, 2010 | By MATT APUZZO and ADAM GOLDMAN

[Oldeconomybuyer]

WASHINGTON – Internal CIA e-mails show the former agency head, Porter Goss, agreed with a top aide's 2005 decision to destroy videotapes of the harsh interrogation of a terror suspect, a controversial action that remains the focus of an FBI investigation.

The documents show that, despite Goss' apparent agreement, CIA officials almost immediately began worrying they'd done something wrong. The e-mails also indicate that President George W. Bush's White House counsel, Harriet Miers, hadn't been informed of the tapes' destruction and was "livid" to find out later.

The videos showed CIA interrogators using waterboarding, a simulated drowning technique that's widely considered torture, on terrorism suspect Abu Zubaydah. The videos showed that interrogators did not follow the waterboarding procedures authorized by the Bush administration, the documents indicate.

Jose Rodriguez, the agency's top clandestine officer, worried the 92 tapes would be "devastating" to the CIA if they ever surfaced, the documents show. He approved the destruction of the tapes.

Rodriguez told Goss and others he "felt it was extremely important to destroy the tapes and that if there was any heat, he would take it,"

[FlingWingFlyer]

I can’t figure out why these interrogations were videotaped in the first place.

[silverleaf]

Jose Rodriguez is a brave man and a patriot
Thank You, Sir, wherever you are

[San Jacinto]

Destruction of the tapes was appropriate and the FBI should butt out. But Obama and Holder will push prosecution of the agents who did it (assuming the agents were not members of the Black Panthers).

[silverleaf]

possibly so they could be used to persuade other interrogees to cooperate without the mess

possibly so they could be used to document the al qaeda who cooperated- to ensure their lifetime cooperation
(Hey, Osama, lookit what KSM told us...”

[Obadiah]

I'm not sure what to make of this. On the one hand anytime the government, especially the CIA, destroys documents it greatly concerns me. On the other hand, there is not a shred of doubt in my mind that Obama and the Democrats wold have “leaked” select portion such tapes in a raw partisan effort to gain political advantage, such as to run against the image of George Bush in 2012. And is there be any doubt that the NYTimes and MSNBC or CNN wouldn't exceedingly exploit the tapes for the maximum liberal advantage?

So, I am torn in this case.

[cricket]

Am much more concerned about the new idea to move 'Gitmo' to Afghanistan. What a great idea to put these terrorists back home; in their own back yard, basically. And then endanger our Military personnel who are left to secure them; and give them what may as well be; their desserts of our Justice.

CIA destroyed tape that showed exact 'protocol' not being followed per water boarding a terrorist?

Just read the 'jihadist news'/sarc/ - to find your sympathy for these people. It is not the WB, of course, that is the problem; only the perception engendered. It IS about the enemy 'working our system' to make 'good' for their cause. Clearly, of course, we enemies right here at home; that share their 'common cause' and so enable.

[Piquaboy]

Good for Rod. Just one less thing for Obammy to bitch about.

[cricket]

. . .and 'clearly' that should read: Clearly, of course, we have enemies right here at home; that share their 'common cause' and so enable.

[Touch Not the Cat]

.
Leave the lawyers livid.

[bolobaby]

“I can’t figure out why these interrogations were videotaped in the first place.”

Because if the terrorist muttered something ONCE and refused to repeat it, you could go back and review the tape.

You can also use it to identify inconsistencies later. Go back and review what was said previously. Produces better, more actionable intelligence.

Personally, I think we should have saved them and put them on PPV every 9-11 anniversary. Proceeds go to the 9-11 orphans.

[EricT.]

I can’t figure out why these interrogations were videotaped in the first place.

My guess is so that they can go back and contrast and compare answers with other intelligence, as well as help them to figure out which techniques work and which don't.