Diego Gambetta:

The effect on military and political strategy caused by the shock and emotions after 9/11 have been underestimated, while it is highly plausible to think that they colored the cognitive processes that led to the new strategic mindset. The cocktail of notions that were chosen -- evil, war, global, unprecedented, unknown unknowns -- does not strike me as the product of cool reflection.

Mark Danner:

The use of these [torture] techniques let [us] alleviate [our] own anxiety. And [our] anxiety was based on complete misinformation. We translated our ignorance into their pain. That in a nutshell is the story the Senate report tells. Our ignorance, our anxiety, our guilt, into their pain.

Eric Fair:

Most Americans haven't read the report. Most never will.

Marc A. Thiessen:

Despite the best efforts of Holder and Feinstein, the CIA has been cleared both by the Department of Justice and by the court of public opinion.

Ta-Nehisi Coates:

Power, decoupled from responsibility, is what we seek. The citizen who needs to look away generally finds a reason.