Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09AITTAIPEI598
2009-05-19 05:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Cable title:
MEDIA REACTION: U.S. TORTURE OF DETAINEES
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHIN #0598 1390537 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 190537Z MAY 09 FM AIT TAIPEI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1599 INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 9191 RUEHHK/AMCONSUL HONG KONG 0623
UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 000598
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/PA, EAP/PD - NIDA EMMONS
DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S. TORTURE OF DETAINEES
Summary: Taiwan's major Chinese-language dailies focused news
coverage May 19 on Taiwan Minister of HEALTH Yeh Ching-chuan's
attendance at the World HEALTH Assembly in Geneva Monday, which was
Taiwan's first time participating in 38 years; on the conclusion of
the DPP's 24-hour sit-in in front of the Presidential Office; and on
reviews of President Ma Ying-jeou and his administration's
performance ONE year after assuming office. Regarding editorials
and commentaries, an op-ed in the conservative, pro-unification,
English-language "China Post" said that the torture of prisoners is
a political as well as a moral mistake. However, United States
President Barack Obama failed to provide justification when he
decided not to release more photos showing prisoner abuse, the op-ed
criticized. End summary.
"War, Torture, Morality and the Law"
Arthur I. Cyr, Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College,
opined in the conservative, pro-unification, English-language "China
Post" [circulation: 30,000] (5/19):
"... If clarity of commitment by Bush and Rumsfeld to torture was
undeniable, though described with linguistic legerdemain, the Obama
administration so far has been awkwardly ambivalent. After
releasing classified details about Bush administration discussions,
the White House has now backed off releasing graphic, gross photos
of prisoners held in U.S. custody. Reportedly, CIA Director Leon
Panetta and other officials have strenuously opposed the release of
this classified information.
"Obama has yet to provide persuasive justification for his fitful
footsteps. A brilliant presidential candidate, in this matter he
has not demonstrated presidential leadership."
YOUNG
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/PA, EAP/PD - NIDA EMMONS
DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S. TORTURE OF DETAINEES
Summary: Taiwan's major Chinese-language dailies focused news
coverage May 19 on Taiwan Minister of HEALTH Yeh Ching-chuan's
attendance at the World HEALTH Assembly in Geneva Monday, which was
Taiwan's first time participating in 38 years; on the conclusion of
the DPP's 24-hour sit-in in front of the Presidential Office; and on
reviews of President Ma Ying-jeou and his administration's
performance ONE year after assuming office. Regarding editorials
and commentaries, an op-ed in the conservative, pro-unification,
English-language "China Post" said that the torture of prisoners is
a political as well as a moral mistake. However, United States
President Barack Obama failed to provide justification when he
decided not to release more photos showing prisoner abuse, the op-ed
criticized. End summary.
"War, Torture, Morality and the Law"
Arthur I. Cyr, Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College,
opined in the conservative, pro-unification, English-language "China
Post" [circulation: 30,000] (5/19):
"... If clarity of commitment by Bush and Rumsfeld to torture was
undeniable, though described with linguistic legerdemain, the Obama
administration so far has been awkwardly ambivalent. After
releasing classified details about Bush administration discussions,
the White House has now backed off releasing graphic, gross photos
of prisoners held in U.S. custody. Reportedly, CIA Director Leon
Panetta and other officials have strenuously opposed the release of
this classified information.
"Obama has yet to provide persuasive justification for his fitful
footsteps. A brilliant presidential candidate, in this matter he
has not demonstrated presidential leadership."
YOUNG