Who is covered under the Geneva convention? Are terrorists who don't wear uniforms or distinctive identification or follow the usual battlefield rules and customs, covered? It is generally understood that all parties can benefit from the humane treatment of enemy prisoners as one hopes that treatment will be reciprocated by the enemy. In our conflict, however, the enemy does not take prisoners. There are no prisons for the red cross to inspect. Our enemies not only don't wear uniforms, they violate almost all of the traditional rules of warfare.
The prisoner abuse scandal is reprehensible. Not because of the Geneva convention, but because of the public relations problems and that it does not convey to the world what we believe to be true of America. There is also no evidence that mistreatment of prisoners has aided our effort in any way. I believe this is an area where critics of the administration have a legitimate issue. I am disappointed and ashamed of our efforts in this regard. I served in the military and come from a family with a proud record of service, and the people committing these crimes stain the good service rendered by millions of American servicpeople. I do not believe the public can appreciate the sacrifice and risks undertaken by the great majority of our combat units in Iraq. We incur risks precisely because we are so committed to minimizing civilian casualties, as opposed to our enemies, who actually kill civilians as a strategy.
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