If a terrorist had information that could save thousands or tens of thousands of lives, there is no question as to what should be done. All other questions are rendered obsolete after considering this one vital question.
"...If a terrorist had information that could save thousands or tens of thousands of lives, there is no question as to what should be done..."
You're 100% exactly correct. Imagine for a moment if we had captured Mohammad Atta a few days before the September 11th terrorist attacks and knew that he had information about an upcoming attack. It would have been morally wrong for us not to utilize coercion/torture in order to spare the lives of those 3000 innocent Americans that died that morning.
~ Blue Jays ~
One is more than enough for me.
If a terrorist had information that could save ONE American life, I'd pull out the pinchers and blowtorches and get to work.