I have no problem with the US situation taking its place along side the numerous other cases of institutional torture, past and present.  Torture is torture regardless of the justification, but each situation should stand on its own merits as you state. Courts of law will most assuredly not introduce evidence from the medieval era should redress of detainee claims be considered in that venue.

My reaction to this comparison, between the current US cases and the medieval/Templar cases, is that it was written to infer that the situation in the US is the same as or worse than that during medieval times (as in really bad) and nothing has changed.  Well, I just don't see the logical, and necessary, in my opinion, link.

Why did you, in fact, choose the medieval Templar situation to compare? Why not more recent cases in Cambodia, Burma, China, S. and Middle America, most any Middle Eastern country, WW II Germany or Japan, the Soviet Union, No. Ireland, etc, etc?  The Templars were a religious order and their final downfall was mostly due to a domestic power struggle related to their accumulation of wealth, special privileges that inspired mistrust by the nobility, and the fact the French King was indebted to them.  They were not involved in or accused of attacking or plotting against any host State or population.  It seems they were just considered a threat due to their wealth and privilege, and their demise was an easy way for the King to relieve himself of debt. So, beyond the bare bones, no pun intended, similarities between the mechanics of torture, its severity and effects (common throughout history), I don't see any real basis for comparison.  That's my point.

Having said all of that, I absolutely do not want to give the impression that I find the diary of no value.

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears