At least there's something with which to work.

US and world policy last I saw. al-Qaida is not an "army". The Taliban was considered an "army", and they are POWs. Now, how does one become a "member" of al-Qaida? I don't know.

"Army" is a broad term. There are "armies" of ants, an "army" of Red Cross volunteers, and so on. It has a narrower meaning when used legally or quasi-legally.

Next, what's a combatant? Probably have to do something. Or have concrete plans.

Or are you a combatant because of what you are thinking?

I finally got your comment about the Mafia. It's my point exactly. Those citizens were charged under RICO. Arrested, charged, tried. If convicted, stated sentences. Constitutional.

Not arrested, held without charge or representation for as long as the government wants to keep him, with no right to even confront the evidence against him. That hasn't been an America I know.

Regarding the Palestinians. In the context of accusing the Palestinians of targeting civilians with their suicide bombs, I mentioned the civilian Palestinian casualties of the Israelis.

Your repeated comments were that all Palestinians were soldiers, there were no innocent Palestinians. Seemed to be a genuine belief.

At one point I said I found it hard to believe someone would think that, and since you'd repeated it so much I'd accept it as yours. You assured me it was a belief of yours.

Or else I've made all this up.

Arf