The "torture report" of a few years ago has revealed that the CIA used "advanced interrogation methods" after 9/11. A short list of the methods they used can be found here:
Much of the debate about this fact has centered around whether or not any useful information was gained from these methods. Here is an example of the way that the conversation tends to focus on this issue:
What do you think about the CIA's use of torture and the way the debate is unfolding?
For Example: Is the question of whether or not useful information was gained central to the question of whether or not these tactics are justified? Has the US forfeited its ability to pass judgement on human rights abuses in other countries? Can torture ever be justified….