Kenneth Roth

Probably a 3.5. This is a series of essays about torture around the world and consequently is a rather depressing book. It was not my choice to read, but was required for a course that I am tutoring at the Mount. Some of the essays were actually interesting - like how many techniques of torture were developed by the French after their experiences in Southeast Asia and then exported from France to Africa and South America, with some extensive training of U.S. forces in the mix. There was intersting commentary on the Abu Gharab (sp?) prison scandels, the issue of responsibility, and the perceived "necessity" of torture for national security. I can't say I enjoyed the book, but it was informative.… (meer)