Terrorists Should Be Treated as Prisoners of War

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Terrorism has been affecting the world for many years, but most especially since September 11th. Countless amounts of time and money have been spent; many soldiers and American resources have gone out try to stop the problem, but what happens to the terrorists after they have been captured? A basic level of humane treatment needs to be given to all people even those suspected of or convicted of terroristic offences. Using torture to attempt to find more information is not the most helpful or effective method that could be applied. Although the War on Terrorism is different than any war seen before in history, it is still a war against the United States government and the Geneva Convention needs to protect these war criminals. Those suspected of, or convicted of, terroristic offences should receive the same protections under the Geneva Convention that apply to prisoners of war because they are prisoners of war and their basic human rights need to be respected, torture has been proven to be rarely effective, and their roles, as terrorists, fit into the Geneva Convention criterion. A terrorist is someone who uses deliberate violent tactics to attack those who they see to be their enemy, mainly official government like organizations. Terrorists all share many characteristics which include, committing violent attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear, wanting publicity and not wanted to conquer, just harm their enemy (Taylor [Page 11]). Two of the most renowned terroristic organizations are the Taliban and al Qaeda. When a terrorist is captured there are two different routes they can take. The first being, taken into civilian courts and being tried in the United States court systems. But leaves them in a “legal limbo” for some time bet... ... middle of paper ... ...nees. International Committee of the Red Cross, 29 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Oct. 2013. . Richardson, Neal A., and Spencer J. Crona. "Terrorists Should Be Tried in a Military Tribunal." Criminal Justice. Ed. Jill Karson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 15 Oct. 2013. Shapiro, Bruce. "Detainees in the War on Terror Should Be Treated as Prisoners of War." War. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 15 Oct. 2013. Taylor, Robert. History of Terrorism. San Diego: Lucent, 2002. Print. Winn, Aidan Kirby. "Can Gitmo's terrorists be rehabilitated?" Christian Science Monitor 29 June 2009: 9. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.

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