A non-denial denial

The US has responded to the allegations that it is running a secret network of prisons, with US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley refusing to confirm or deny the existence of the facilities. He also had this to say about torture:

"while we have to do what is necessary to defend the country against terrorist attacks and to win the war on terror, the president has been very clear that we're going to do that in a way that is consistent with our values."

"And that is why he's been very clear that the United States will not torture," Hadley said, responding to questions at a White House briefing. "The United States will conduct its activities in compliance with law and international obligations."

Which sounds good, until you remember two things:

1. The US does not regard [PDF] its "enhanced interrogation techniques" as "torture", as they do not cause "death, organ failure, or serious impairment of body functions". This is exactly the same as Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman", and should be treated with the same contempt until a White House official is willing to come out and say what they consider to be torture and what they do not.
2. The White House is currently fighting tooth and nail against a recent Senate amendment that would restrict interrogation techniques only to those listed in the appropriate US Army Field Manual, prohibit torture or cruel or degrading treatment, and require that all detainees be registered with the Red Cross. The administration's "compromise position" is to exempt the CIA from such limits. Failing that, Bush is threatening to veto the entire bill.

I think this speaks for itself about the credibility we can attach to the White House's "denials" on this subject.