[Brookhaven]

No, we refuse to call them prisoners of war because, under the Geneva Convention, they do not qualify as such:

I understand the technical arguments, but I was talking about being practical. You're not going to get far with a group by saying: "You have to treat our guys as POWs, but we don't have to treat your guys the same way."

[Leesylvanian]

Unfortunately, I don't think the military really expects civil treatment for any of our guys who may be captured. It goes with the territory. That's why I favor Daisy Cutters, 24/7.

[Polybius]

I understand the technical arguments, but I was talking about being practical. You're not going to get far with a group by saying: "You have to treat our guys as POWs, but we don't have to treat your guys the same way."

These are the people who slit the throats of airline stewardasses with box cutters and then flew airliners filled with men women and children into skyscrapers filled with thousands of civilians.

You are not going to get anywhere with them no matter what you do short of killing them.

I would not expect a rabid dog not to bite if given the chance. Likewise, I do not expect Al Qaeda to refrain from killing an "American infidel" whenever they have the chance.

[sam_paine]

I understand the technical arguments, but I was talking about being practical.

None of you are "being practical" if you are arguing whether or not these guys understand the pros and cons of a Civilized International agreement from the 20th Century if we all know that these ragheads still eat, drink and sleep in the 13th Century.

NO, the Geneva convention does not apply to Al Qaeda!
-AND-
NO, the ragheads DO NOT CARE one way or the other! They will not treat our prisoners any better or any worse since we have no proof that they are even RATIONAL, much less CIVILIZED.

[RC30]

I understand the technical arguments, but I was talking about being practical. You're not going to get far with a group by saying: "You have to treat our guys as POWs, but we don't have to treat your guys the same way."

We are not going to get far (reasoning) with people who are unreasonable and irrational. Please, these people are nothing but low life thugs. You dont try and reason anything out with them, just get rid of them.