Originally Posted by MTI

A few "waterboarding" factoids:

It's a classic "old school" technique, first documented in 14th century writings as "tormenta de toca" and made popular during the Italian (not Spanish) Inquisition. The procedure had two major virtues: If done properly, it was not lethal and it left no scars or signs of injury.

Over the years, the technique was improved upon by the Dutch in the 17th Century East Indies, where they would slowly fill a captured enemy's throat with water.

Going "underground" in the 19th Century, it regained use in the 20th. The French used it in Algiers, Japanese and US used it in WWII, Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, UK used in against Arabs and Jews in the middle east. South American countries Chile and Argentina called it the Asian Torture.

Waterboarding is one of six "enhanced techniques" approved for use:

1. The Attention Grab: The interrogator forcefully grabs the shirt front of the prisoner and shakes him.

2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.

3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.

4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.

5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.

6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.


There does not appear to be much evidence, if any, that the Nazis or Soviets employed it.

CIA officers that were subjected to the procedure in training lasted an average of 14 seconds. It was reported that Khalid Sheik Mohammed, won the admiration of interrogators when he was able to last between two and two-and-a-half minutes before begging to confess.