I think U guys are both being disingenuous.

Undertoad, with the OP suggesting that one cant oppose the US use of enhanced interrogation (torture), which btw, Obama ended with an executive order, while ignoring Syria's treatment of its citizens over which the US has no control.

Uday, for suggesting that human rights violations of US and Syria are equal in any way.

Torture is torture.

I have an even lower opinion of my own nation, in this respect.

Obama revoked Bush's policy of enhanced interrogation (torture) by Executive Order, which carries the force of law.

And while he didnt end rendition, he did put additional policies in place to end the practices of the previous administration. As far as I know, there has not been an extraordinary rendition to a country that tortures its own citizens since he took office, unlike the 10-15 that occurred under the Bush administration.

So, no, US policies and practices regarding torture are not at all like Syria.

While I read your entire post, the really important part is right there.

President Obama did not end extraordinary rendition.

First, I agree with you on torture.

I think it is immoral, illegal and ineffective and we no longer have a policy that allows a president to unilaterally interpret our treaty obligations (Geneva Conventions, etc) to allow torture.

As to rendition, the new policy requires the U.S. rendition practices comply with applicable international standards and do not result in the transfer of persons to face torture. That works for me.

But the bottom line is that actions speak louder than words and there have been no detainees sent to countries that torture since the last administration.