enhanced interrogation technique

government intelligence

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July 21, 2026

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"Enhanced interrogation techniques" refers to methods used by government intelligence agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to interrogate individuals suspected of terrorism. These techniques, which became a focus after the September 11 attacks, have been controversial, with critics arguing that some methods, like waterboarding, constitute torture and are illegal under international law.12

Intelligence, in a government context, is evaluated information about foreign actors, crucial for national security and policy decisions. The use of enhanced interrogation techniques by agencies like the CIA has been defended by some as necessary for gathering intelligence in the "war on terror," while others maintain they are counterproductive and damage the U.S. reputation.34

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John Brennan
…Brennan’s involvement in the “enhanced interrogation techniques” practiced during the administration of Pres. George W. Bush, which had come under criticism as amounting to torture. Instead, Brennan became assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism for roughly the next four years, helping shape U.S. policy in response…
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…Brennan’s involvement in the “enhanced interrogation techniques” practiced during the administration of Pres. George W. Bush, which had come under criticism as amounting to torture. Instead, Brennan became assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism for roughly the next four years, helping shape U.S. policy in response…
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Central Intelligence Agency
Criticism and assessment
…in particular the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, were unconstitutional or illegal under U.S. and international law. Critics also asserted that torturous interrogation was counterproductive, because it produced generally unreliable information and fueled resentment and hatred of the U.S. in Islamic countries. Others were dismayed by the increased militarization of…
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…in particular the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, were unconstitutional or illegal under U.S. and international law. Critics also asserted that torturous interrogation was counterproductive, because it produced generally unreliable information and fueled resentment and hatred of the U.S. in Islamic countries. Others were dismayed by the increased militarization of…
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