Since I am, literally, a card carrying Liberal (actually the card indicates my membership of the Liberal Democrat party in the UK) I must say that I don't agree with your analysis.
I am opposed to cruel and unusual punishments-full stop.
That includes the death penalty wherever it is practiced, torture and violence whether practiced by Americans, Afghans, or denizens of the planet Tharg.
I do not accept that either politics, culture or religion are an excuse for torture and repression, whether judicial, state sanctioned, (supposedly) divinely sanctioned, or otherwise.
No dilemma there at all.
I'd just like to remind you that 'Liberal' means generous, and implies a generosity of mind and spirit that gives rise to sympathy for the underdog, and a wish to understand other cultures.
But understanding does not give blanket approval.
I'll call you a racist if you would like that, if you think it would help.
I'm generous that way!
Cheers
Dave