Here at The Monkey Cage is an interesting post on why so many countries which sign the Convention against Torture are themselves high on the list of practising torture.

Could they be … hypocrites? Is it because they want to ingratiate themselves with the West?

Or is it rather to send a signal to their own people that they are even more evil than their hapless populations expected:

"See? Our depravity knows no limits. We’re going to torture you more because we have signed the Convention, and we have signed the Convention because we’re going to torture you more.

Tricky? Ha ha!

Now. Get back in line while I recharge this cattle-prodder…"

I’d be interested in Craig Murray’s considered views on this conundrum, as he served in a country (Uzbekistan) where torture was horrendous and widespread. It exemplifies the problems we have in dealing with these places, not least at the UN where (apparently) we have to sit placidly as undemocratic countries lecture us on human rights.

And, yes, we can claim the moral high ground only if we deserve it.

But even if we do not always reach the loftiest pinnacles of the Moral High Ground, we usually sit a damn sight closer to them than those regimes who live in the deep dark Chasm of Brutality.

And enjoy the way the screams echo off the steep stone cliffs.