Is the Geneva Convention still being followed by anyone but us?

SGT William Howell — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:05:08 -0500

Our POWs have been tortured and killed by every enemy of the US since WW2. We are no longer fighting countries and the groups we fight do not follow any rules of war. Should we revisit the Geneva Convention?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 3:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:18:40 -0500

First, state on state warfare is not a thing of the past. It was incredibly one sided, but the opening act of OIF was the U.S. versus the Iraqi military. It is incredibly naive, delusional even, to think that the world will never see another "conventional" war.

Second, just because our enemies chose to do what is ethically wrong does not mean that we should stoop to their level. The Geneva Conventions were adopted for a reason. To forsake them would be equivalent to us saying we as a nation are above ethical boundaries, which is just wrong. You're basically questioning whether we should forsake what we know to be just and right to intentionally allow what is unethical and wrong.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 15 at 2014 3:42 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:42:49 -0500

SGT William Howell First off, the Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC) have lots of various treaties feeding into them, Geneva, Hague etc... Second, I don't think anyone has followed any of the conventions to the letter, ever, including us. Third I would argue we have MOST closely followed the strictures of the LOAC of all countries, signatories or not. Fourth, while I get very irritated with certain provisions ("expanding ammo" from the Hague for instance) for the most part, following these rules gives us three combat advantages. Advantage 1. We return with less psychological damage having fought wars in ways we can generally be more proud and accepting of. Advantage 2. Our enemies are more willing to surrender to us, expecting good treatment. 3. Populations more readily support us than others (e.g. for 2 and 3, compare and contrast surrender rates and population support regarding WWII invasions of Germany of Russia and the USA).

So, revisit? Maybe some specific parts. Reject en masse? Better to follow en masse.