Would-be CIA chief Panetta denounces waterboarding as torture

Obama's nominee takes a strong stand against the agency's counter-terrorism methods, including rendition of suspects, in a confirmation hearing marked by pointed exchanges over Bush policies. > Leon E. Panetta, President Obama's pick to lead the CIA, testified Thursday that he believes the harsh interrogation technique known as waterboarding is torture, and he vowed to end an era in which the CIA's conduct drew controversy in the United States and condemnation around the world. (link)