[ONA-ASIS]

This area is a little grey, but I would say no. Even if the POW concerned wanted to, I'm pretty sure we couldn't (hence why we haven't had interviews with Iraqi POW's either in this or the first Gulf war).

However, letters from the POW's to their families isn't forbidden under the GC. It's just a matter of getting them to the families (something Saddam won't be keen on at all).

[AFPhys]

The "gray-ness" of the area (having EPWs suggest surrender to their comrades), I agree with. It would be something, if I were running the show, that I would make certain that I coordinated with the Red Cross. However, although they are indeed the mediating body of the GCs, they probably would not want to be stuck in the middle of doing so, and we'd probably end up having to rely on their "retired generals" for the most educated opinion. It would end up being very controversial, I suspect.

I do see a need to revisit certain aspects of the GCs in light of present circumstances in the world. There are some holes to fill and questions just begging to be mediated in order to legitimize such things as this TV antenna, Gitmo, etc.