US Exchange of Prisoners

SSG Toryn Green — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:33:51 -0400

Do you think it's right for the US to exchange prisoners with extremist groups knowing they could once released harm us again?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 4:47 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 16:47:28 -0400

Unless we are dealing with a signator of the Geneva Conventions or a nation state with a fixed diplomatic system, then the answer has to be no. There is no guarantee in either direction for long term solutions and we end up bartering for the lives of service members (1 US service member for 20 terrorists, etc). This is a no-win situation, but if you do the trade, you embolden live hostage taking versus a country who fights and expects to receive prisoners of war...and treats them in accordance with the conventions and international law.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 5:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:15:25 -0400

Tough call... if it was somebody I cared for, I would do anything to help them. With that said, I think COL Private RallyPoint Member nailed it.

Response by PO2 Edward Shelton made Jul 28 at 2014 5:17 PM

PO2 Edward Shelton — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:17:23 -0400

Should never negotiate with terrorists...