APA’s Secret Role in CIA Torture Program
Collaboration and Coordination
Newly released emails reveal a clandestine collaboration between the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Bush Administration. The report, conducted by APA critics and human rights activists, alleges that the APA secretly worked with top officials from the CIA, White House, and Department of Defense to bolster support for the CIA’s interrogation program, which was facing widespread public condemnation.
Psychologists in Interrogations
The report claims that in 2004, APA officials met with CIA psychologists and agreed to issue guidelines that would allow psychologists to continue participating in the interrogation program. This was crucial for the Justice Department’s argument that the interrogations were legal and not torture, as the involvement of accredited psychologists suggested that detainees were being monitored by health professionals.
Abu Ghraib and Mounting Criticism
The release of shocking images from Abu Ghraib in 2004 sparked intense criticism of the U.S.’s treatment of prisoners. Despite mounting reports of psychologist involvement in detainee abuse, the report found no evidence of concern expressed by APA officials in their communications with intelligence officials.
APA’s Response
APA spokesperson Rhea Farberman denied any coordination with the Bush administration on the association’s response to the controversies. However, the report contradicts this claim, indicating that the APA Presidential Task Force on Psychological Ethics and National Security later released guidelines supporting psychologist involvement in interrogations.
Retraction and Independent Review
The APA’s guidelines faced such heavy criticism that they were eventually retracted. The APA is currently conducting an independent review of its role in the interrogation program.
Controversy and Ethical Concerns
The APA’s involvement in the CIA’s torture program has raised serious ethical concerns about the role of psychologists in national security. The report highlights the potential for conflict between the ethical principles of psychology and the demands of government agencies.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The report also sheds light on the legal and ethical justifications used to justify the interrogation program. The Justice Department’s argument that the involvement of psychologists made the interrogations legal has been widely challenged, raising questions about the extent to which psychologists can participate in activities that may violate human rights.
Impact on the Psychology Profession
The APA’s entanglement in the CIA’s torture program has damaged the reputation of the psychology profession and raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of psychologists in the post-9/11 world. The independent review currently underway is expected to provide further clarity on the APA’s actions and the implications for the field of psychology.
Role of Psychologists in National Security
The report’s findings highlight the complex and controversial role that psychologists play in national security. While psychologists can contribute valuable expertise to interrogation and other security-related activities, it is crucial that they uphold the ethical principles of their profession and ensure that their actions are consistent with human rights standards.
