CIA chief sees no place for coercive interrogation techniques

By Pam Benson
CNN National Security Producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) - CIA Chief Leon Panetta said Wednesday he cannot envision any circumstance in which he would consider asking President Barack Obama for permission to use a coercive interrogation technique on a terrorist detainee.

Last month, Obama issued an executive order that calls for a review of the Bush administration's controversial interrogation program to see whether any of the harsh techniques used should be retained.

The "enhanced interrogation techniques" included waterboarding, a method that simulates drowning and is considered torture by the new administration.

Although Panetta has said he thinks the techniques outlined in the Army Field Manual are sufficient, he said the president has the authority to order the use of techniques that go beyond those spelled out in the manual.