There are pros and cons about the policy decision whether to follow the Geneva Conventions in a war where they do not legally apply. Among the pros might be benefits for America's image, its ability to argue in future conflicts that the Conventions should be followed, and training soldiers to follow only the Geneva standards. Among the cons might be greater security and safety for our troops who capture and detain al Qaeda operatives and the ability to gather more actionable intelligence swiftly.
John YooIn light of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, critics are arguing that abuses of Iraqi prisoners are being produced by a climate of disregard for the laws of war.
John YooIt is also worth asking whether the strict limitations of Geneva make sense in a war against terrorists.
John YooThere was nothing wrong - and everything right - with analyzing a law that establishes boundaries on interrogation in the war on terrorism.
John Yoo