'''Waterboarding''' is a method of interrogation which simulates the sensation of drowning. A tightly bound prisoner has porous cloth placed over his mouth and nose. Water is poured over his face in such a manner as to convince the prisoner that he is drowning. Its use by American forces against terrorism suspects has been called controversial by some, particularly by (but not limited to) [[leftists]]. Opponents of the practice call it "[[torture]]" and on this basis argue that it is illegal. Supporters of the practice acknowledge its coercive nature but say it is not torture and therefore not illegal. John McCain, a prominent Republican Senator and former 2008 Presidential candidate and POW during the Vietnam WAR, who was tortured during his detention, stated that waterboarding is "torture, not enhanced interrogation".<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNeqKl8oUWk</ref> | '''Waterboarding''' is a method of interrogation which simulates the sensation of drowning. A tightly bound prisoner has porous cloth placed over his mouth and nose. Water is poured over his face in such a manner as to convince the prisoner that he is drowning. Its use by American forces against terrorism suspects has been called controversial by some, particularly by (but not limited to) [[leftists]]. Opponents of the practice call it "[[torture]]" and on this basis argue that it is illegal. Supporters of the practice acknowledge its coercive nature but say it is not torture and therefore not illegal. John McCain, a prominent Republican Senator and former 2008 Presidential candidate and POW during the Vietnam WAR, who was tortured during his detention, stated that waterboarding is "torture, not enhanced interrogation".<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNeqKl8oUWk</ref> |