Beware of Historic Erasure

The debate surrounding national policy on torture has evolved significantly since 9/11, contrasting with historical practices during the Cold War and World War II when such policies were not deemed necessary. Advocates for current approaches often dismiss historical evidence, arguing that the current 'war on terror' is unprecedented, thus rendering past experiences irrelevant. This tactic undermines the value of historical context, positing that every situation is unique, which can lead to a dangerous oversimplification of complex issues.