The Geneva effect

The Democrats in the Senate were squeezing John Ashcroft to give them proof that the administration has condoned torture. Ashcroft refused.

Here's an interesting exchange between Joe Biden and Ashcroft:

"There's a reason why we sign these treaties: to protect my son in the military," Biden said. "That's why we have these treaties. So when Americans are captured, they are not tortured. That's the reason, in case anybody forgets it."

Ashcroft responded that he too had a son in the military now on active duty. "I'm aware of those considerations. And I care about your son," he said.

Does Biden really think that our policy on torture had any effect on the people who beheaded Nick Berg?