Tell me about waterboarding

Waterboarding is a form of torture that simulates the experience of drowning. The technique involves strapping a person to a board or table and pouring water over their face while covering their mouth and nose, which creates a sensation of suffocation and panic. It is designed to induce extreme psychological stress and fear. Historically, waterboarding has been used by various groups and regimes as an interrogation method to extract confessions or intelligence. It gained particular notoriety in the context of the "War on Terror," when it was employed by U.S. intelligence agencies during the early 2000s. The use of waterboarding in this context sparked significant controversy and debate regarding its legality and morality, with numerous human rights organizations and legal experts categorizing it as torture. Critics argue that waterboarding is not only inhumane but also counterproductive, as it can lead to unreliable information because subjects may provide false information to stop the pain. Supporters of its use have argued that it is a necessary tool for national security, particularly in situations involving ticking time bombs or imminent threats. The legality of waterboarding has been challenged in courts and legislative bodies, leading to discussions about the ethical implications of torture and the obligations of nations to adhere to international laws, such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture. As of the current understanding, waterboarding remains classified as torture under international law and is widely condemned by human rights organizations.