Prosecutor Named to Probe CIA Prisoner Abuses

Holder's decision, which promises political headaches for Obama, came after the Justice Department's ethics watchdog recommended considering prosecution of Central Intelligence Agency employees or contractors for harsh interrogations in Iraq and Afghanistan that went beyond approved limits.

"I fully realise that my decision to commence this preliminary review will be controversial," Holder said in a statement. "In this case, given all of the information currently available, it is clear to me that this review is the only responsible course of action for me to take."

Career prosecutor John Durham will head the probe, adding to the one he is already doing of the CIA's destruction of videotapes showing harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects.

As Holder made his decision, new details emerged about "enhanced" interrogation techniques used after the September 11 attacks on the United States under then-President George W. Bush but subsequently scratched by Obama when he took office.