Call CIA to account

The CIA’s contention that it destroyed videotaped interrogation of two terrorism suspects to protect the identities of the interrogators is an audacious challenge to Congress, which theoretically provides a check and balance on administrative excess.

The CIA knew there were questions about the interrogation techniques used. The administration describes them as “enhanced interrogation.” Others call it torture. Now it turns out somebody decided to destroy evidence of those techniques.

CIA Director Michael Hayden’s contention that the tapes were destroyed to protect agents’ identities doesn’t hold up. If you are concerned about keeping an agent’s face unknown, you don’t make movies of him waterboarding a suspect.

Members of Congress are calling for investigation by Attorney General Michael Mukasey, as they should. They should also call in Hayden and demand the identity of the official who decided to put the evidence in a burn bag.