Playing by the rules

What rules should there be in war? If the other side doesn't play by them and we do, does that mean we preserve what we stand for rather than become like our enemies? Or are we giving them an upper hand that will make it harder for us to win? And how can we even debate the issue when there is such a difference in what people see when they look at the same thing?

There is this, from Evan Bayh, who speaks not only for Democrats but whose views are shared by an increasing number of Republicans in Congress:

The latest debate on terror centers on President Bush's request for a measure granting the administration sweeping authority over terror suspects, including allowing secret evidence and coerced testimony.

Senate Republicans have rejected that measure, and Bayh said he supports a milder package proposed by some Republicans.

"I think we ought to build on the consensus approach that we've got that is tough, but also smart," said Bayh. "We've got to get the information from the detainees but we've got to do it in a way that doesn't jeopardize our troops, doesn't put them at greater risk of being tortured if they are in captivity."

The Senate measure is backed by key leaders such as Arizona Sen. John McCain, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Then there is this, which suggests that we are being too lenient with detainess rather than too tough:

The politically correct regulations are unbelievable. Detainees are entitled to a full eight hours sleep and can't be woken up for interrogations. They enjoy three meals and five prayers per day, without interruption. They are entitled to a minimum of two hours of outdoor recreation per day.

Interrogations are limited to four hours, usually running two - and (of course) are interrupted for prayers. One interrogator actually bakes cookies for detainees, while another serves them Subway or McDonald's sandwiches. Both are available on base. (Filet o' Fish is an al Qaeda favorite.)

Interrogations are not video or audio taped, perhaps to preserve detainee privacy.

Call it excessive compassion by a nation devoted to therapy, but it's dangerous.

I think the concerns about being rough with prisoners putting our own troops at greater risk of torture are at least a little naive. The idea that if we're nice they will be nice is a dangerous delusion that completely ignores who and what we're fighting, and it has been disproven over and over for at least the last five years. It is proper to ask how we are conducting a war and set standards for that conduct. But our safety and security can't be taken out of the mix. If we underestimate the danger to ourselves and exaggerate the mistreatment of others, we will let "the rules" destroy us.