A smart interview with the always-interesting and hyper-articulate law professor. The conversation starts with Dershowitz's proposal, from his latest book, that nations (including the U.S.) acknowledge they sometimes use torture in the face of terrorism--and that the president sign off on any use of torture. Dershowitz insists his point is not to legitimize torture but in fact to lessen its use by making leaders accountable--as opposed to the status quo, in which many nations use torture but simply deny doing so.

The interview goes beyond legal questions to topics like Israel's strategy (military and public relations) in fighting its enemies. Dershowitz is thoughtful enough, and Jenny Attiyeh's questions are knowledgable enough, that most listeners will go along.