Is it OK to torture the enemy at this time of war?

Question

If it is ok to torture American soldiers because the USA tortures their enemy. I am saying can Americas enemy torture them to save lives of Iraqi citizens

Answer 1

Even though the U.S. has abandoned the moral high ground, it doesn't mean that other countries should do likewise. Countries with a moral center will conclude that torture is not a wise practice and they will stick to their principles even in hard times, rather than abandoning them simply because it appears expedient in the moment.

Perhaps if enough countries lead by example, then less principled nations like the U.S. that torture will eventually change their ways.

Answer 2

If you're talking reciprocal action, you are aware that the jihadists kill prisoners by cutting their heads off, no? If they only did waterboarding and sleep deprivation, that would be a lot more humane than what they do now.

They also do not give their prisoners 3 meals, living quarters, their religious book of choice, medical, or legal help, like we do. They physically beat and torture them and then kill them.

And the US only does this to some, not all, of the illegal combatants (as defined by Geneva) that were captured and detained at Gitmo. They have no protected status. We did not do this to the Iraqi Army that was captured because they DID follow Geneva rules.

The equivalency / reciprocity angle you're pushing falls flat when pitted against the reality of the situation.

Answer 3

Torture is wrong regardless of who the aggressor is. However, if America wants to continue torture tactics to extract information, then we as a nation should not be surprised when Al Jazeera displays images of American soldiers dead bodies being dragged through the streets or beheaded.

Answer 4

Nobody has the right to violate peoples human rights. Instead people who have tortured ect need to be found and properly dealt with. Its every countries obligation to ensure there is no torture of anyone for any reason at any time.

Answer 5

No. Your government went into Iraq for what seemed to be largely moral reasons - that Saddam was a despot who tortured people for political ends. It's hard to sympathise with a political position that says "...but it's different, because it's uus doing it...". On the other hand, it's hard to sympathise with the people who could otherwise be forceably interrogated, since they are in themselves murdering people for political gain. But, generally, I would say, if you want democracy to get a foothold in Iraq, it would be better to set an example regarding the things that democracy is built on - due process, treatement of prisoners, things like that.

Answer 6

I can't quite figure out what you're trying to say. I think you're asking if it is OK for the enemy to torture the Coalition Forces soldiers it captures. I think that is much better than execution, which is their current method of dealing with detainees.

Answer 7

This is one of the main reasons why we should not be condoning torture; it will encourage others to do it to us.

Answer 8

It is never ok to torture anyone, for any reason, war or no war.

Answer 9

Why not?, we sure aint setting a good example for anyone else. Look at gitmo and look at Abu Ghraib.

Answer 10

Your going to get two different answers here;

Torture should never be allowed. It's always wrong.

and

Whatever it takes to win. If you don't like it why don't you move to some other country? GOD BLESS USA!

Both of which is wrong. The correct answer is, "If your dumb enough to risk your life for someone elses ideals, you deserve whatever you get."