Republican Pair Would Bring Back Waterboarding

US Republican presidential hopefuls Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann have both said they would reinstate the waterboarding interrogation technique if elected.

Businessman Mr Cain said he does not support torture but would bring back the controversial practice, where captives experience the sensation of drowning, because he sees it as "enhanced interrogation".

George W Bush's administration argued using it saved lives as it led to valuable information being gleaned about terror attacks.

Mr Bush confirmed he had authorised its use to extract information from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the al Qaeda mastermind behind the 9/11 atrocity.

However, Barack Obama banned the technique when he was elected to the White House.

Mr Cain said he would leave it up to military leaders, rather than their civilian superiors, to decide what forms of interrogation amounted to torture.

Minnesota congresswoman Mrs Bachmann also said she would be willing to allow waterboarding if elected president, calling the practice "very effective".

"It gained information for our country," she added.

But the other Republican contenders are split over whether waterboarding would be an effective tool.

Ex-Utah governor Jon Huntsman said the technique diminished America's standing in the world and undermined the nation's values.

Texas congressman Ron Paul said it was illegal.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney was not directly asked about the issue but stated he would use whatever means necessary to protect America.

The candidates were questioned on foreign policy during a debate in South Carolina, which revealed deep differences between them.

They roundly accused Mr Obama of being too soft with America's enemies, but over how to effectively project American strength and protect the homeland they were often at odds.

On Iran, the candidates argued about how to discourage the regime in Tehran from carrying out alleged plans to develop a nuclear weapon.

Former house speaker Newt Gingrich said if all other steps failed, "you have to take whatever steps are necessary" to prevent that outcome.

He said the approach should include covertly "taking out their scientists" and "breaking up their systems".

Mr Romney said Iran would obtain a nuclear weapon if Mr Obama was re-elected.

"And if you elect Mitt Romney, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," he said.

Mr Cain said Mr Obama has been on the wrong side of nearly every situation in the Arab world and the US mishandled the uprisings in the region.