Those killed in Yemen include “American” Anwar al Aulaqi:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwar_al-Aulaqi
“According to U.S. government officials, he was a senior talent recruiter and motivator who was involved with planning operations for the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda.”
“U.S. officials say that Al-Aulaqi spoke with and preached to a number of al-Qaeda members and affiliates, including three of the 9/11 hijackers, accused Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, and “Underwear Bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab; he was also allegedly involved in planning the latter’s attack.”
“The Yemeni government began trying him in absentia in November 2010, for plotting to kill foreigners and being a member of al-Qaeda. A Yemenite judge ordered that he be captured “dead or alive”.”
But the government of Yemen was unable to capture him.
“According to U.S. officials, al-Aulaqi was promoted to the rank of “regional commander” within al-Qaeda in 2009. He repeatedly called for jihad against the United States. In April 2010, American President Obama authorized al-Aulaqi’s targeted killing.”
Yep, a combatant by about any definition.
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The US government did not fund, nor in any way train OBL.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA_%E2%80%93_Osama_bin_Laden_controversy
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Bottom line: I am of the mind that the US government should have a free hand, within the Geneva Conventions, to kill as many foreigners in foreign countries as necessary to protect and defend the US. And this also applies to US citizens beyond their legal reach, who are providing “aid and comfort”, and knowledge, to the enemy they can use to attack us.
However, this being said, *within the US* we are not at war, so there is no excuse for the vast majority of Patriot
Act and subsequent powers that are almost exclusively used against US citizens with no connection whatsoever to terrorism.
And I do not believe there is any inherent conflict between these two ideas.
By the governments own criteria I fit the profile of a potential terrorist so without more evidence no he is not a enemy combatant. Also killed in a seperate drone attach was his 16 year old son, so I am not willing to give the government that much power.
From this link http://newsone.com/1205745/cia-osama-bin-laden-al-qaeda/
National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski visited Afganistan in 1979 and met with Bin Laden and even took a picture with him. Brzezinski would tell the mujahideen
We know of their deep belief in God, and we are confident their struggle will succeed. That land over there is yours, you’ll go back to it one day because your fight will prevail, and you’ll have your homes and your mosques back again. Because your cause is right and God is on your side.
I will not give the power, that you would give, to the government, a free hand no way.
As Benjamin Franklin said
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
I do not trust the government if you wish to good luck.