[Penny1]

Re: Declaration of war...

Wouldn't an official declaration of war also require acknowledging the Taliban as being the government of Afghanistan? Also, Bin Laden would not be included in that declaration of war since he is not a "citizen" of Afghanistan. This is the whole problem with the situation, these are people without borders, and without countries to declare war on.

Also, I heard that by not officially declaring war, we avoid some complications of international law. I have no idea what I'm talking about, so someone correct me if that's wrong or if I heard it wrong or misunderstood...

-penny

[ClancyJ]

I am not sure because I don't know that much about the rules of war. I'm sure there are plenty here that could tell us. I just heard a snatch of an explanation on why Bush might not want to declare war. I thought it was something about insurance claims - either the insurance companies would not have to payoff on any damages incurred in war or they would. Due to the massive damages, either way has strong repercussions on the economy. Seems there was something about the international part too but can't remember. To declare war brought with it some limitations on our actions. Maybe it was that to declare war, he had to have the approval of the congress. Wish I knew.

[poet]

A declaration of war would have to recognize that Islam is the enemy and that would be politically incorrect IMO. To those people, we are infidels who either must be converted or destroyed.