I think those techniques are more about creating the fear of what's coming next than they are about creating actual pain. Waterboarding makes detainees think they are going to drown if they don't give up information about terrorist attacks in the making. Prolonged periods without food makes them think they will never eat again if they don't give up necessary information. It's about deterring silence by causing worry about what's around the corner. I don't think it falls under the definition of torture. However, if the government is using torture against terrorists and keeping it a secret to minimize backlash, I understand.

I see arguments for and against the use of torture, but the terrorists will never have my sympathy, no matter what terrible things are done to them. Caring about how terrorists feel will never be a deciding factor for me on the issue.