A difference, and I don't defend torture for very good reasons, is that the detainees at G'Bay are there, are alive, are being released, not burried in unmarked graves, and if Kiplins ( and others )commentaties are to be believed, without thier sexual organs amputated and stuffed in thier mouths to choke them.

Ooops - sorry - I should not mention the traditional ethnic customs of Iraq or Afghanistan, besides the victims were only Russians, Tommy's, "Sowars" or fellow Iraquis, Arabs or Afghani's who were in the wrong place at the wrong time - And were suspected of being of the wrong political or tribal affiliation.

Not that that justifies any maltreatment, but I think it puts the matter in a different perspective.

Or am I being cynical ???

Gareth