Madam, - The CIA has long been shown to operate on occasion without the knowledge and beyond the restraint of democratic government. So when Bertie Ahern comes shadow-boxing from the American corner to assure us that Condoleezza Rice assures him that America is not involved in extraordinary rendition for the purpose of torture, he perhaps demonstrates a naivety not normally associated with our most senior politician.
Dr Rice's "repeated, clear and explicit assurances" (The Irish Times, January 26th) are surely based on official policy and, from her perspective, she is telling the truth.
On the other hand, if a rogue element of the CIA is operating a private scam without her knowledge and beyond the constraints of international law, Dr Rice is still telling the truth even though facts on the ground tell a different story.
Further, in order to cover all angles, let us suppose that America is indeed up to its neck in extraordinary rendition. Let us suppose that America has sloughed off the cosmetic skin of democracy and is heavily involved in kidnap and torture. Then we would not expect America to stand up and say so. In all cases there would be stern denials and repeated, clear and explicit assurances just like those expressed by Dr Rice.
For this reason alone we should satisfy ourselves that, officially or otherwise, America is not using Shannon as a watering hole for American agents on a disreputable mission. - Yours, etc,
RON ISMAIL, Curragh Chase, Kilcornan, Co Limerick.