It is funny how we humans are good at twisting things. The latest trend(possibly started by americans) is to sugar coat unpleasant truth using formal jargon. Let me illustrate with a few examples.
You are a policeman in charge of an area. You decide that it is ok to use third degree methods in interrogation. But while using some of the harsh techniques, a couple of suspects die in your custody. Earlier you would have said - “The policeman used illegal torture and three suspects died during torture”. But now in the changed political climate you say - “There were some collateral damage during terror investigation”.
Notice how the sentences hide the human factor involved. It even appears that the collateral damage is essential to keep us all safe. We all become just parameters for some process. It is like applying six sigma or CMM5 to human life 
The reason why I wrote this post is this news item. Current american government believes that torture (simulated drowning to be specific) is legal. But there is one problem with this approach. There is no difference between the ‘good’ guys and the ‘bad’ guys!!
In one of earlier posts I had written that I don’t believe in God. But at the same time I amazed at the wisdom of Jesus Christ when he said,
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
I am not a ‘human rights nazi’. I do believe that strong and decisive action including death penalty is needed when you are dealing with evil. For example, consider what happened in Rwanda. But the sad part is that nobody cared about Rwanda at that time.
Consider this scenario - you are a police officer who is entrusted to protect people. Suddenly a mob goes around killing people. There is no doubt in my mind, you must shoot and kill if necessary to protect people. It is worth noting that as per Indian law you can kill someone not only for self defence but also to defend others.
But this is quite different from dropping bombs on a country to feed them ‘democracy’.
