Torture and interrogation: A very good, and very long, article on The Atlantic about the use of torture and coercion in interrogation sessions. It talks specifically about the U.S.'s practice in the war on terrorism. It's a sincere look at both sides of the issue, the abohorent acts of cruelty and reasonable use of intimidation, fear, and confusion tactics.

It's a complicated issue, but I think Mark Bowden gets it right in his conclusion.

The Bush Administration has adopted exactly the right posture on the matter. Candor and consistency are not always public virtues. Torture is a crime against humanity, but coercion is an issue that is rightly handled with a wink, or even a touch of hypocrisy; it should be banned but also quietly practiced. Those who protest coercive methods will exaggerate their horrors, which is good: it generates a useful climate of fear. It is wise of the President to reiterate U.S. support for international agreements banning torture, and it is wise for American interrogators to employ whatever coercive methods work. It is also smart not to discuss the matter with anyone.

There are some unpleasant things we must do and not talk about. And those who oppose these acts serve an important purpose in not letting certain lines be crossed.

Thanks to Malcolm at Occam's Toothbrush.