The core provisions of the Convention establish a regime for international cooperation in the criminal prosecution of torturers relying on so-called “universal jurisdiction.” Each State Party is required either to prosecute torturers who are found in its territory or to extradite them to other countries for prosecution.

Ronald Reagan’s message urging the senate to ratify the convention on torture.

I’ve long been a fan of bloggingheads.tv. They host one-on-one debates on politics, education, science, the arts…everything. Their gimmick is that the debaters must be civil and address each other’s points. A refreshing change from the shoutfests on Sunday morning tv.

About one in ten debates is very good. This, between Glen Greenwald and David Frum, is one of the best. Frum blathers a little but that’s understandable. Greenwald is scarily good.

Watch the debate.

On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the United States reaffirms its commitment to the worldwide elimination of torture. Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right, and we are committed to building a world where human rights are respected and protected by the rule of law

George W Bush