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January 13, 2017

CIA Nominee Mike Pompeo Reverses Position on Torture
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Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director on Thursday reversed his
position on torture, telling senators at his confirmation hearing that
waterboarding is illegal. Rep. Mike Pompeo previously claimed such
so-called enhanced interrogation tactics were constitutional. This is
Rep. Pompeo being questioned by California Democrat Dianne Feinstein.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein: "If you were ordered by the president to restart
the CIA's use of enhanced interrogation techniques that fall outside of
the Army Field Manual, would you comply?"

Rep. Mike Pompeo: "Senator, absolutely not. Moreover, I can't imagine
that I would be asked that by the president-elect, or then-president."

Donald Trump promised in a debate last February to "bring back a hell of
a lot worse than waterboarding." During his confirmation hearing
Thursday, Rep. Pompeo said he would continue monitoring Iran's
compliance with a nuclear agreement brokered in 2015. He previously said
he wanted the U.S. to immediately scrap the nuclear deal. Rep. Pompeo is
a strong proponent of expanding the prison at Guantánamo Bay. He's
called for the expansion of domestic surveillance and has called NSA
whistleblower Edward Snowden a traitor who should be put to death.


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