[LarkNeelie]

That presupposes that the 'enemy' in question is following the Geneva Conventions rule that states they must wear a 'uniform' that unquestionably and clearly distinguishes them from the civilian populations. Unless they follow the rules, they're not afforded the 'courtesies' listed in the Geneva Conventions - including status as a POW (and the protections afforded to POWs). So - anything goes (technically).

[68skylark]

That's an interesting point. I'm not sure I can agree 100%. Even when fighting a terrorist or a spy, I think an American soldier does have an obligation to accept a surrender attempt if it can be done without putting friendly troops at risk. I wouldn't condone a battlefield execution in that kind of situation.

For one thing, we can get better intelligence from a live enemy than a dead one. It's also a good policy to encourage other terrorists or spies to surrender, rather than fight to the death. Lastly, we're supposed to be the good guys, so we just can't go around blowing away the bad guys just 'cause we feel like it -- it may be emotionally satisfying to some, but it's just not professional.