Songs to torture by

Music has been used in American military prisons and on bases to induce sleep deprivation, “prolong capture shock,” disorient detainees during interrogations—and also drown out screams. Based on a leaked interrogation log, news reports, and the accounts of soldiers and detainees, here are some of the songs that guards and interrogators chose.

The Left just adores fascists?

“Liberal Fascism”, a book dressed up as meaty analysis by one of America’s leading neo-conservative commentators, is beautifully debunked by a writer who actually understands what “fascism” and “liberalism” truly mean.

George, may I use tongue?

Bob Geldof writes a love letter to George W. Bush. (Yes, it’s as undignified and delusional as you’d expect): On Air Force One, Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Bobby Pittman, the National Security Council adviser for Africa, and I stayed awake as the pitch night engulfed us, only punctuated by the…

Take cover

After winning an Oscar for his documentary Taxi to the Dark Side, Alex Gibney has a new target in his sights: The filmmaker who won an Academy Award Sunday night for best documentary is next turning his attention to the Jack Abramoff scandal, including GOP presidential candidate John McCain’s role in investigating the affair. Alex…

The power of the pulpit

Ibrahim El Houdaiby, Conflicts Forum, February 25: Those who believe that the ongoing crackdowns on the Muslim Brotherhood by the Egyptian regime will cause a major setback for the country’s largest and most powerful civil opposition group are definitely mistaken. Brotherhood members are an integral living part of the Egyptian society who can never be…

A deserving winner

The film Taxi to the Dark Side has won Best Documentary at last night’s Oscars. My friend, Melbourne-born and New York based Eva Orner, was the co-winner. It’s a wonderful achievement.

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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