Senior intelligence officers are lobbying the outgoing president to look after the men and women who could face charges for following his orders in the war on terrorism.
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Most vulnerable are US intelligence officers who took part in intensive interrogations against terrorist suspects, using techniques including water boarding, which many believe crossed the line into torture.
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"An effort is under way to get pre-emptive pardons. The White House has indicated that the matter is under consideration."

George W Bush could pardon spies involved in torture