An article published by the Swiss daily newspaper Sonntagsblick on Jan. 8 once again put the CIA in the spotlight, denouncing what it deemed to be the illegal activities the Bush administration has employed in its quest for information on terrorism.
The article implied that an important fax sent by the Egyptian foreign minister to his embassy in London, was intercepted by the Swiss secret service. This document contained information that described the illegal activities of the CIA in a base situated in Constantza, a small port on the Black Sea.
Not only did the fax declare that torture activity was taking place in that establishment, but it also confirmed that these centers of interrogation were common and already well in place in other countries, such as the Ukraine, Kosovo and Bulgaria.
Whilst there is already a debate on whether or not the United States is employing illegal methods of interrogation in other countries, this information has shed new light on the matter. Nevertheless, it should have remained confidential. Not only is it still undetermined how this information filtered out into mainstream media, but the fax's leak has put the Swiss government in a very delicate position in relation to the US. It has also revived fierce European criticism on Bush's foreign practices.
The release of this article, however, has illuminated an important question: Should European governments continue to dismiss the existence of these 'interrogation centers' and allow the US to continue breaking international laws on human rights?
Last Tuesday, Swiss Senator Dick Marty submitted a report to the Council of Europe concerning torture, renditions and secret prisons headed by the US on European soil and in neighboring countries.
The Marty report stated: "There is a great deal of coherent, convergent evidence pointing to the existence of a system of 'relocation' or 'outsourcing' of torture...Acts of torture, or severe violations of detainees' dignity through the administration of inhuman or degrading treatment, are carried out outside national territory and beyond the authority of the national intelligence services."
Marty's active criticism of the Bush administration's disregard for civil liberties and disrespect to human rights reflects the view of a group of politicians who are describing the US as a sort of rogue regime. The problem is that this idea only has a few proponents, due to a fear of losing American support. But highly influential individuals - such as newly-elected German Chancellor Angela Merkel-are asking for discussions to be opened on the matter.
There are two diverging opinions on this sensitive issue. While Europeans are right in denouncing these illegal practices, some believe that they are following principles that are too morally idealistic. That is, in reality, the US is engaged in a global war against terrorists who don't abide by international laws. Therefore, for the Bush administration to win, it must commit the same malpractices to achieve their goals.
Once again, the problem lies in the fact that Europe acknowledges the US's noble pursuit in dealing with terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, but it doesn't want to be a part of the illegal implications. European soil should not be a breeding ground for torture or disrespect for international laws, simply due to the fact that the preservation of human rights is an issue that most European nations strongly believe in and promote heavily.
While the US ruins its global reputation by erasing the moral distinction between self and enemy, Europe can no longer ignore this matter, since the veil has been taken off secret prisons and the public is fully aware of them.
However, will others leaders follow Senator Marty and Chancellor Merkel's lead in a debate that could put a serious strain on the relationship between Europeans and America?
The two-day European summit that recently took place in Austria in order to build on new hopes for a future constitution clearly points out a strong desire to place the European train back on track. Will this important issue, relevant to all nations, regenerate unity in Brussels?
The Swiss secret service clearly did not want to start this debate. But it is now time for Europe to act on this matter; to show, as a key player in the realm of international politics, that it will not be associated with actions illegal to international laws without its consent.
