Dick Cheney Calls Obama's Torture Comments 'a Libel' Against CIA Interrogators

2 years ago

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Washington Reporter

In a speech Wednesday night, former Vice President Dick Cheney continued his harsh critique of President Obama's foreign policy, the Washington Times reported Thursday. Cheney said Obama is committing "libel" against CIA interrogators when he labels as torture what the Bush administration referred to as "harsh interrogation techniques."

"In short, to call enhanced interrogation a program of torture is not only to disregard the program's legal underpinnings and safeguards," Cheney said. "Such accusations are a libel against dedicated professionals who acted honorably and well, in our country's name and in our country's cause."

Cheney slammed Obama's decision to abandon the Bush administration's interrogation methods, and accused the president of "dithering" on the war in Afghanistan. "President Obama now seems afraid to make a decision, and unable to provide his commander on the ground with the troops he needs to complete his mission," he said.

The word "libel" typically refers to printed accusations, or those spoken in a broadcast medium, while "slander" refers to words spoken in a public setting.

Filed Under: Bush Administration, Dick Cheney, Foreign Policy, Obama Administration

Tagged: CIA, daily guidance, DailyGuidance, DickCheney, interrogations, torture

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