Ashcroft defends questioners' techniques

WASHINGTON — Former Attorney General John Ashcroft defended aggressive interrogation tactics the government used to try to forestall terrorist attacks but offered few details Thursday to lawmakers seeking insight into the most sensitive aspects of his tenure.

In his first Capitol Hill appearance to address national-security issues since leaving the Justice Department three years ago, Ashcroft batted away probing questions, blaming his memory and citing the still-classified status of programs the Bush administration adopted after Sept. 11, 2001.

Pressed by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, he argued that coercive interrogation techniques including waterboarding did not meet the legal definition of torture. Ashcroft said he wasn't aware of evidence during his term that would have prompted him to open a criminal investigation into actions by interrogators.

Vendettas cited at whistle-blower office

The second-in-command at the government's top whistle-blower office has quit in a dispute with his boss, whom he accused of putting "political agendas and personal vendettas" ahead of the agency's mission and independence.

James Byrne's resignation as deputy to U.S. Special Counsel Scott Bloch is effective Saturday. Bloch is under federal investigation, accused of destroying evidence potentially showing he retaliated against his own staff.

"Upon my departure, I am obligated to note that the mission, independence and very existence of the Office of Special Counsel are ... at risk unless and until this agency is afforded a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed leader who is capable of putting OSC's mission and OSC's people ahead of political agendas and personal vendettas," Byrne, the deputy special counsel, wrote in a July 10 letter to Bloch.

A spokesman for Bloch declined to comment.

The Office of Special Counsel protects the rights of federal workers and government whistle-blowers.

Seattle Times news services