The modern debate surrounding government interrogation, specifically the treatment of terror suspects by the Central Intelligence Agency, has "forgotten and often secret" roots that can be traced back centuries, renowned torture expert Darius Rejali told the Colgate community last week during his two-day visit to campus.

"It's something that has an incredibly long history ... one that has always been tied to the world's democracies," said Rejali, explaining how torture tactics date back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Two Colgate alumni are poised to play key roles in hotly contested issues swirling around Washington: health-care reform and the treatment of terror suspects by the Central Intelligence Agency.

On Monday, veteran federal prosecutor John Durham '72 (right) was appointed by the U.S. attorney general to examine suspected abuse of prisoners held by the CIA.

John Durham '72, considered one of the nation's most relentless prosecutors, will lead the high-profile investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videos.

As head prosecutor in the probe, the Colgate alumnus becomes a visible figure in a case that's generating attention around the world.