Former CIA official defends sleep deprivation, waterboarding

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A former top CIA official is defending the use of so called enhanced interrogation techniques on terrorist suspects during the Bush Administration.

Saying sleep deprivation and waterboarding were vital in extracting information from key suspects like this got 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohamed.

Chief intelligence correspondent Catherine Herridge is live for us in Washington.

Waterboarding.

-- did the CIA learned after subjecting some of these suspects -- of cancer.

But thank you John good morning Jose Rodriguez and other supporters of the agency say that at least 50%.

Of the CIA's knowledge of al-Qaeda operatives and the network structure came from the enhanced interrogation program.

Right after 9/11 at three high value detainees were water -- they include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed the self described architect of -- in London.

I was invited who is described at the time of his capture as an operational chief -- Qaeda and I'll -- on -- Sherry who's accused of planning the attack on the USS Cole.

In October of 2000.

According to the long war journal the tracks the drone campaign in Yemen alone where the most lethal al-Qaeda affiliate operates.

There has been a dramatic jump in the number of drone strikes.

Rodriguez charging -- that sixty minutes interview that the Obama administration had become too reliant on the drone campaign.

-- capture anybody anymore.

Honestly I think you know there.

Default option of this administration has has been too.

Kill prisoners.

Take no prisoners the drones the drones.

How could -- be more ethical.

To kill people.

President captured -- never understood that one.

In October last year three Americans including the first American on the CIA's kill or capture list -- clear and more all lucky.

Was killed by US drone strikes in Yemen times he makes an interesting point there what's been the response to that interview.

Well in a statement this morning the ACLU saying quote no policy of the last decade has brought greater shame on America in the bush administration's embrace of torture.

Like other un repentant architects of the torture program Jose Rodriguez attempts to justify the brutal abuse of prisoners while ignoring its illegality it's immorality.

And the damage it has done to our national security and -- call right after the Obama administration came into office they.

They permanently -- and the use of these EITs and the enhanced interrogation.

Techniques -- Well the argument are still goes on -- -- -- lives on and on this election -- pressure and sugar will Catherine Herridge in Washington thank you.

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Former CIA official defends sleep deprivation, waterboarding

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