But we didn't. Instead we invented this quasi-legitimate status that left us wide open for being bitten. Which we have.
I do not believe you can blame Bush. Any person that was president would have been faced with the conundrum of what to do with a non-national group of religious fanatics attacking the continental United States.
There was no legislation covering what to do in the scenario mentioned. There was no established status that dealt with foreign terrorists attacking the U. S. The only recourse would be to wait until legislation was passed that dealt with that scenario. Unfortunately he didn't have the luxury of waiting on congress. Perhaps he did make a mistake, but under the circumstances he did what he had to do.
You may not like the status he gave them but you have got to give him credit. There have been no terrorist attacks in the U. S. since 9/11. For that fact, I give him a well done.