there is of course a serious problem with people not understanding what torture actually is - and why it can be termed torture.

sensory deprivation has been proven to cause psychosis in well balanced people even when used over very short periods. Forced standing for long periods causes permanent kidney damage. waterboarding has, in at least one case, resulted in a heart attack and subsequent death of the victim. being threatened with savage dogs has also resulted in at least one heart attack in a healthy male with no previous cardiac history.

so ... should these 'harsh interrogation strategies' be considered acceptable?

I think not.