Following the September 11 attacks , several memoranda , including the Bybee memo , were written analyzing the legal position and possibilities in the treatment of prisoners . The memos , known today as the " torture memos " , advocate enhanced interrogation techniques , while pointing out that refuting the Geneva Conventions would reduce the possibility of prosecution for war crimes . In addition , a new definition of torture was issued . Most actions that fall under the international definition do not fall within this new definition advocated by the U.S
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Waterboarding