Thursday, October 19, 2006

Almost 1/3 of World Supports Torture

The BBC reports that a poll of more than 27,000 people worldwide (25 countries reveals that almost a third of people are in favour of "some torture" if it will save lives. Only 59% said that torture should never be used.

Not surprisingly, the two countries on the front line in the battle against terrorism, Israel and Iraq, polled highest support for torture. And European nations polled lowest in support.

As an interesting note, the BBC points out that in Israel there is a stark difference between the attitudes of Jewish citizens and Muslim ones. While Jews are more inclined to agree to torture, Muslims are "overwhelmingly against" it. The reason is obvious; those on the receiving end of terror support the means necessary to save lives.