Just thinking out loud here.
Rather than rely on torture, why not say to those captured: OK, we've got you and we know you've got some information that can help us. You can either stay here under a capture of war status, a limbo status that could last forever, or you give us the information we both want and need. If you give us the information we'll place you in a holding area where you'll remain until we verify the information you gave us. If the information pans out, is true and helpful even, then we'll let you go. Your option, however, is not to return to fight wars against us. Instead, we'll send you somewhere else where it'll be very difficult for you to get away from--someplace remote, but we'll make sure you surive in freedom.
What would likely happen? Would the US receive invaluable terrorist information? Would our intelligence become enhanced? How much does it cost to put someone on an island somewhere, with a job?
Something sorta like a witness protection program. Something certainly better than torture, and perhaps more effective. |
