Expert Voices

Leading experts, including a former FBI director, former interrogator, an Army general who investigated detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib, and a former Under Secretary of State support a commission.

Read what experts have to say.

The following experts endorse a commission:

In Their Words

Lt. Col. Stephen E. Abraham :

"I am the son of a generation that saw millions perish.  We say "never again."  But that against which we must so carefully guard is not the murderous instinct, but instead, the actions - including silence - that perpetrated the immoral and unlawful voiding of fundamental human rights.

That a people does not trust its government is a tragedy.  But a government that does not trust its people is neither capable nor fit to govern.  A Commission of Truth, though merely an instrument by which we may restore trust in government and belief in the inalienable human rights that are at the foundation of our very existence, is necessary to demonstrate the faith that our government has in its people." 

David Birenbaum :

"I support the call for a Commission because it is essential to determine what happened in order to decide what to do for the future.  The 9/11 Commission, as was the case with other such bodies, played that crucial role with great success.  It is essential that we convene a new commission with comparable prestige and independence to do the same with respect to detainee treatment."

Dr. Allen S. Keller:

“[W]e owe torture survivors, and we owe ourselves truth and accountability. Our actions have made the world a much more dangerous place by undermining our credibility and by providing cover and incentive for torture to occur around the world.” –“Torture, Healing and Accountability,” The Huffington Post, June 26, 2009

Juan E. Méndez:

"Accountability for abuses of the recent past is very important for transparency, for confidence in institutions, for settling disputes about what has happened and what has not happened."

Alberto J. Mora:

"Simply stated, our nation's defenses are materially weakened, not strengthened, by our policy and practice of cruelty... [W]e need to act purposefully to help educate Americans that this issue is not simply about what happens in the interrogation room... It is about remaining faithful to our heritage and constitutional order."

Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering:

“The new administration cannot be effective in looking forward without a full accounting and understanding of how American policy got to where we are today. A nonpartisan commission, removed from the burdensome barriers of politics, is a well-proven method of accomplishing these goals." - Feb. 19, 2009 press release calling for a commission

Judge William Sessions:

"The president has a responsibility to protect and defend Americans and unfortunately, many questions remain unanswered as to whether the detention, transfer, and treatment of detainees following the September 11th attacks were in the country's best interest. We need to understand what happened and how to prevent any illegal actions from taking place in the future." - Feb. 19, 2009 press release calling for a commission

Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba:

"...there is no longer any doubt as to whether the [Bush] administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account." –preface to Physicians for Human Rights 2008 report, Broken Laws, Broken Lives

Rev. Dr. John H. Thomas:

“During my travels to partner churches around the world in recent years, particularly in countries that have endured repressive regimes, I have consistently been challenged about what I am doing to end my own country’s participation in and condoning of torture. As a leader of a church that takes seriously the concerns of its global partners, I cannot ignore this anguished plea. As a U.S. citizen and as a member of the global Christian family, my responsibility is clear: Torture must never again be practiced, condoned, or excused in my name."