Bush admits to waterboarding 9/11 mastermind, says would order it again

Washington, June 4 (ANI): Former US President George Bush has admitted that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was waterboarded during his administration and - he wouldn't hesitate to give the order again.

"Yeah, we waterboarded Khalid Sheikh Mohammed," new.com.au quoted Bush as telling the Economic Club of Grand Rapids in Michigan.

"I'd do it again to save lives," he added.

Bush also defended his decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003, calling the attacks on September 11, 2001 "a declaration of war on our country".

"Getting rid of Saddam Hussein was the right thing to do and the world is a better place without him," he said.

Bush said he would continue to refrain from disparaging his successor, Barack Obama.

"You are not going to see me in the public square criticizing the President," he said, according to The Grand Rapids Press. (ANI)