[Azred]

What was the topic again? [img]graemlins/1ponder.gif[/img] Oh, yes...the American captive who got beheaded.

Every war throughout all of human history has had civilian casualties, because that happens during wars. At least no legitimate army these days specifically targets civilians to kill. Therein lies a huge problem--when you know you are facing terrorists, insurgents, or whatever you wish to call them, how can you tell a civilian from an insurgent? You can't! Vietnam revisited....

No one should excuse anyone involved in the abuses of Iraqi detainees; courts-martial for all the perpetrators, regardless of rank, is needed. However, which crime is worse: humiliation, torture, or death? At least dignity and health may be recovered....

Terrorists understand only one language: violence. They may cloak themselves under the guise of religion or some political agenda, but they want nothing more than to shoot guns and kill people. Trying to deal with these rabid dogs with rules, regulations, democracy, or "the moral high ground" is simply a waste of energy. The only effective way to deal with them is to raise the price of poker and see how long they are willing to play.
This view of mine has nothing to do with the unfortunate man who lost his head; I have had this view for quite some time, because I have never seen or heard of anyone successfully negotiating with a terrorist to any positive outcome.

My country isn't perfect; in fact, we have our own terrorists--the problem of the collective Neo-Nazis must be dealt with someday, before another Oklahoma City happens (or worse). However, we do represent the culmination of centuries of social and political development; thus, we are the best answer discovered so far. Some people don't like this, but their dislike of this fact doesn't invalidate its truth; likewise, their acceptance of this fact is not a prerequisite for its truth. *shrug* Jealous, I suppose.... [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img]