Addendum: The Pentagon released new rules for interrogating detainees basically on the downlow -- no official announcement and so forth. This says (or does not say) volumes -- clearly some forces (read Dick Cheney) still are applying pressure that prevents what would otherwise be a prime public relation (and basic message that we do not support torture or "disappeared" detainees -- we are not some banana republic) move. But, they just cannot do it. But, Bush says they do not torture -- "why won't they believe us!" Strange, I know.
"Our country is at war, and our government has the obligation to protect the American people," Mr. Bush said. "Anything we do to that end, in that effort, any activity we conduct, is within the law. We do not torture."
Hmm ... that's liable to be misunderstood, huh? Wonder how all those interrogators had problems understanding the limits.
Sen. McCain and other conservatives are against torture and misuse of human beings.* Cheney's attempts notwithstanding, the more realistic members of the military and civilian defense departments (many who didn't like the new regime anyway) are starting to realize firm limits need to be applied.
Nice, though Congress is given the power to formulate rules of war and such ... and they should lead the way, not ever flexible executive policy.
---
* The NYT notes that some evangelicals also are against pollution/laissez faire business practices that pollute while other Christians [Targeted by the IRS for being too "political" -- surely they are applying the rules across the board, right?] think Jesus might not have liked the war we are now fighting. Darn liberals.