Gates says CIA agents must be shielded…

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates for the first time commented on the release of internal federal documents laying out the rules and record of interrogation methods used on captured insurgents and suspected terrorists, saying his concern was “first and foremost the protection of the CIA officers” and any possible backlash against troops overseas.

Gates said he wanted to protect CIA officers who had “performed their duties in accordance with the legal guidance that they had been given by the Justice Department.”

“I wanted to make sure — I felt very strongly — the importance that they be protected, and against all different kinds of possible prosecutions.”
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