Obama Nominee Linked to Harsh Interrogations

WASHINGTON — A congressional aide says the Obama administration's pick for a top intelligence post at the Homeland Security Department has ties to the CIA's harsh interrogation program.

This could become an issue during Philip Mudd's confirmation hearing, which is expected next week. Mudd was nominated to be under secretary of intelligence and analysis at Homeland Security.

The aide confirmed that Mudd, who was deputy director of the Office of Terrorism Analysis at the CIA during the Bush administration, had direct knowledge of the agency's harsh interrogation program. The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The interrogation program has come under harsh criticism by Democratic lawmakers and President Barack Obama.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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