The White House has said that the torture meted out to Al Qaeda suspects by the Central Investigative Agency (CIA) in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack undermined the United States' "moral authority" and added that the release of a report detailing the brutal interrogation techniques is an important step in regaining that authority.
White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said on Wednesday that the U.S.' moral authority was one of its most powerful tools to protect and advance its interests around the globe. He added that President Barack Obama's decision to ban the harsh interrogation techniques when he assumed office demonstrated his commitment to rebuild that "moral authority," reported News24.
Earnest said that it was important for people to understand that the U.S. is willing to confront its shortcomings, be honest about them and be as candid as possible to ensure that they do not occur again.
A review report published by the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday had said that brutal techniques used by the CIA while questioning suspects after 9/11 attack amounted to torture and failed to extract key intelligence from them.
