As far as uniforms go, should terrorist cells such as Al Qaeda adopt ranks and symbols? Would this really make a difference in their goals? Ridiculous notion.
Actually this is a tenant of the Law of Land Warfare not mine. I just subscribe to its treatment of non-uniformed combatants. In past wars like the US Revolution, being caught in action out of uniform was a death sentence as a spy. A local Confederate named Sam Davis was hung for this very offense.
Yes, torture works occasionally, but far more often you get the tortured telling you whatever you want to hear. You can't tell which information is really and which information is given in order to stop the pain.
1. Do you think we should torture enemy combatants captured out of uniform and armed? Do you think they should torture US citizens including soldiers, or contractors, journalists, etc? Torture has proven to be ineffective, and if we want to keep our moral superiority I suggest we stick to a higher standard that allows us to condemn their actions
2. Do you think we should detain them in prison? For how long? Do you think they should be able to detain us in prison indefinitely? See 1 about moral high ground.
3. What rights should be extended to them if you think they should be imprisoned? If the government for some reason mistakenly assumes you're a terrorist, do you want to be in prison indefinitely? Of would you rather challenge that knowing that you were wrongly imprisoned? I'd rather be able to challenge it, wouldn't you? The people who belong there should stay there. They should be afforded all rights we afford any person we imprison.
4. What rights should they be denied? They should be treated like any PoW.
Again I reference the US Military treatment of Nazi Werewolf squads. They were "interrogated" on the spot then shot and left to rot. I have no issue with this. As far as gaining knowledge I again have no issue with NON-UNIFORMED combatants being tortured. P.O.W.'s however can be asked and then sent to a P.O.W. Camp, an important difference.
Did it happen? arguably yes. Was it explictly against the laws at the laws even at the time? yes (although it was indeed an order to shoot them on sight. Torture was never authorised however)
Do we have different laws on treatment of 'unlawful combatants' in 2007, yes we do.
Not to be a pain but I need some idea of the definition of torture. Most of those who will weep here about it consider sleep deprivation and rock music as torture. They believe anything short of giving them all the rights of US citizens accused of a crime is torture. "So you think you are strong because you can survive the soft cushions. Well, we shall see. Biggles! Put her in the Comfy Chair!!" To the don't-hurt-my-feeeeeelings Libs that's torture.
As a point of reference for the differing ideas, I just read this.
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not particularly, but if we do it should be a couple months, tops
food, water, dignity
the 'right' to communicate
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Actually this is a tenant of the Law of Land Warfare not mine. I just subscribe to its treatment of non-uniformed combatants. In past wars like the US Revolution, being caught in action out of uniform was a death sentence as a spy. A local Confederate named Sam Davis was hung for this very offense.
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Khalid Sheik Mohammed is documented as having been broken and providing information. Former CIA Chief George Tenet and the CIA official in charge of the Bin Laden unit Michael Scheuer say it works and has saved lives ( ... )
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Do you think they should torture US citizens including soldiers, or contractors, journalists, etc? Torture has proven to be ineffective, and if we want to keep our moral superiority I suggest we stick to a higher standard that allows us to condemn their actions
2. Do you think we should detain them in prison? For how long?
Do you think they should be able to detain us in prison indefinitely? See 1 about moral high ground.
3. What rights should be extended to them if you think they should be imprisoned?
If the government for some reason mistakenly assumes you're a terrorist, do you want to be in prison indefinitely? Of would you rather challenge that knowing that you were wrongly imprisoned? I'd rather be able to challenge it, wouldn't you? The people who belong there should stay there. They should be afforded all rights we afford any person we imprison.
4. What rights should they be denied?
They should be treated like any PoW.
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Do we have different laws on treatment of 'unlawful combatants' in 2007, yes we do.
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"So you think you are strong because you can survive the soft cushions. Well, we shall see. Biggles! Put her in the Comfy Chair!!" To the don't-hurt-my-feeeeeelings Libs that's torture.
As a point of reference for the differing ideas, I just read this.
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