Meaning: The quote "Torture is illegal, both in the U.S. and abroad. So - and that is true for the Bush administration and for any other administration" by Jane Mayer, a journalist known for her investigative reporting, touches on a topic that has been a subject of much debate and controversy over the years. It brings to light the legal and ethical implications of torture, particularly in the context of government policies and practices.

Torture, defined as the act of inflicting severe physical or psychological pain on a person as a form of punishment or to extract information, has been condemned by international law and various human rights conventions. The United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which the U.S. is a signatory, explicitly prohibits the use of torture under any circumstances. Additionally, the U.S. has domestic laws such as the Torture Victim Protection Act and the War Crimes Act that criminalize torture and other inhumane treatment.

In the context of the quote, Jane Mayer emphasizes that the prohibition of torture applies not only to the Bush administration but to any other administration as well. This statement underscores the universal and enduring nature of the prohibition, regardless of changes in political leadership. It serves as a reminder that adherence to the ban on torture is not contingent upon the ideology or policies of a specific administration, but rather is a fundamental principle that transcends political affiliations.

Mayer's assertion also reflects the broader global stance against torture, suggesting that the prohibition extends beyond the borders of the U.S. and is a universal standard upheld by the international community. This aligns with the principles outlined in various international agreements, including the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which unequivocally condemn the use of torture and inhuman treatment.

The quote may also be interpreted as a commentary on the need for accountability and oversight to ensure compliance with anti-torture laws and norms. It implies that regardless of the administration in power, there is a shared responsibility to uphold the legal and moral imperative to prohibit torture. By highlighting the universality of the prohibition, Mayer's statement underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and scrutiny to prevent any potential deviations from this fundamental prohibition.

In the context of the War on Terror and the controversies surrounding the use of enhanced interrogation techniques by the U.S. government, Mayer's quote takes on added significance. Her investigative work, particularly in her book "The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals," delves into the policies and practices of the Bush administration in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Mayer's reporting sheds light on the use of techniques such as waterboarding and stress positions, which have been widely condemned as forms of torture.

Through her reporting and the quote in question, Mayer raises awareness about the legal and moral implications of torture, challenging the justifications put forth by government officials and advocating for accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Her work contributes to a broader discourse on the importance of upholding human rights standards, even in the face of national security imperatives.

In conclusion, Jane Mayer's quote encapsulates the enduring and universal prohibition of torture, emphasizing its illegality both domestically and internationally. It serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical imperatives to reject torture as a means of interrogation or punishment, irrespective of political considerations. As the global community continues to grapple with the complexities of national security and human rights, Mayer's words underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to fundamental principles of human dignity and the rule of law.