"Is there a question pending, ma'am?" Addington responded.
A Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week showed that William J. Haynes II, former top Pentagon lawyer, helped push harsh techniques down to interrogators working at the Guantanamo prison. Pentagon lawyers helped transform techniques used to train pilots to resist enemy interrogation into tools for American interrogators, the panel found. The methods may have violated prohibitions on torture or cruel treatment.
Addington acknowledged attending many meetings with Haynes and other top officials. He said he was briefed by John Yoo, the former Justice Department lawyer who drafted many of the legal memos defending harsh techniques. He acknowledged multiple trips to Guantanamo and discussions with interrogators. He said he was familiar with the development of the CIA program. But he gave no details on what he said or did at such meetings.
Critics had hoped the hearing would show that, behind the scenes, Addington played a leading role in pushing for tough interrogation techniques. Addington said he was trying to maximize the president's options in dealing with terrorism and give protections to intelligence agents asked to do "tough things in wartime."
Perhaps the strangest exchange came at the end of the hearing. Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) asked Addington whether waterboarding was discussed in meetings.
"I can't talk to you," Addington said. "Al Qaeda may watch these meetings."
Delahunt replied that he was sure they did. "I'm glad they finally have a chance to see you, Mr. Addington," Delahunt said. Without missing a beat, Addington answered, "I'm sure you're pleased."
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julian.barnes@latimes.com
