Grant Prisoner of War Status to Terrorists

John Brennan, Barack Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor, planted his foot squarely in his mouth recently when he stated that “Twenty percent isn’t that bad”, in reference to the percentage of individuals released from Guantanamo Bay who are later found on the battlefield. His boss, General Jim Jones defended Brennan’s comments and stated “It’s never going to be zero.”

There’s no way that it’s going to be zero? I can think of two ways.

First, we can put a bullet into each of their heads. These murderers do not qualify protection under the Geneva Convention.

Second, we can give these guys prisoner of war status to which they are not entitled, and then legally hold them until the end of hostilities. This war has been going on since the 6th century and is commanded by the Qua’ran to last until all non-Muslims are defeated and “brought low.” As a result, it makes sense to hold these dirtbags for the rest of their natural lives.

The Third Geneva Convention defines prisoners of war to include:

4.1.1 Members of the armed forces of a Party to the conflict and members of militias of such armed forces

4.1.2 Members of other militias and members of other volunteer corps, including those of organized resistance movements, provided that they fulfill all of the following conditions:

* that of being commanded by a person responsible for his subordinates;

* that of having a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance (there are limited exceptions to this among countries who observe the 1977 Protocol I);

* that of carrying arms openly;

4.1.6 Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory, who on the approach of the enemy spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading forces, without having had time to form themselves into regular armed units, provided they carry arms openly and respect the laws and customs of war.

Clearly, these guys do not qualify for POW status. But it would cost us little to give them POW status as a free gift. This would cost far less than the ridiculously expensive show trials that the Obama administration has planned for each of them.

It will also cost less, in terms of human life, than releasing these thugs back amongst the citizens of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan. What is the life of one U.S. soldier worth? I would put a bullet into every one of these bastards heads, if I thought it would save the life of just one American soldier. But, to appease those who are less committed to the cause of freedom, prisoner of war status and life imprisonment for these thugs is one potential compromise.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called Brennan’s remarks “mindboggling and unnerving.” It’s nice to see someone in Washington display a modicum of common sense. But talk is cheap, I’d like to see some action. Senator Graham — please introduce a bill into Congress authorizing the conversion of these detainees into prisoners of war and making it clear that we will hold them as prisoners until the cessation of hostilities.