Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 11, 2014

C.I.A. Headquarters in Langley, Va. Credit Pool photo by David Burnett

Dark Again After C.I.A. Torture Report -- New York Times editorial

We have not always agreed with Senator Dianne Feinstein on national security issues like wiretapping, but the California Democrat who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee has displayed commitment and courage in the investigation of the illegal detention, abuse and torture of prisoners by the Central Intelligence Agency.

Realizing she had one last chance to get this report to the public before Republicans take over the Senate, Ms. Feinstein released a summary of the findings despite heavy pressure from Republicans and the White House to withhold it. She and her aides deserve enormous credit for their five-and-a-half-year struggle.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 11, 2014

John Brennan's zigzag on torture: Has Obama’s CIA director gone native? -- Michael Crowley, Politico

CIA Director Brennan: Whether harsh interrogation worked is 'unknowable' -- Brad Knickerbocker, CSM

CIA Torture: An Insider’s View --- XX Committee

The war against Islamic State: In the crosshairs -- The Economist

It’s a weird war when Iran and the U.S. are bombing the same country -- Michael Williams, Reuters

Russia, a pipeline against the Islamist threat -- Michael Curtis, The Commentator

Analysis / Palestinians unlikely to break security ties with Israel over official’s death -- Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz

Atomic Advantage: Is Iran Stalling for Time in Negotiations over Its Nuclear Program? -- Jofi Joseph, National Interest

Boko Haram: The Other Islamic State -- Jeremy Ashkenas, Derek Watkins, & Archie Tse, New York Times

Japan elections: 5 things you need to know -- Nyshka Chandran, CNBC

Peace In Ukraine By Appeasing Putin? Refuting The Ill-Informed Proposal -- Paul Roderick Gregory, Forbes

Russia Is Fighting Its Financial Problems By Selling The Gold They've Been Hoarding -- Elena Holodny, Business Insider

Here are the reasons oil just plunged to $59 -- William Watts, Market Watch

Will cheap gas last? The answer and nine other predictions for 2015 -- John Lloyd, Reuters

Google News shutdown in Spain: Does anyone win? -- Michael Holtz, CSM