Here’s a quote to consider:

Humane treatment of insurgent captives should extend far beyond compliance with [Common] Article 3 [of the Geneva Conventions], if for no other reason than to render them more suceptible [sic] to interrogation. The insurgent is trained to expect brutal treatment upon capture. If, contrary to what he has been led to believe, this mistreatment is not forthcoming, he is apt to become psychologically softened for interrogation. Furthermore, brutality by either capturing troops or friendly interrogators will reduce defections and serve as grist for the insurgent’s propaganda mill.

I know.  Now you’re asking, “Where’d you get that?”

Um, duh!  It’s chapter 9 of Army Field Manual FM34-52.  Gosh, how dense can you be not to have known that?

It’s sad, though, knowing we’ve devolved socially to the point where our own military now readily violates its own code of conduct simply because the preznit told ’em to do it.  In fact, you’ll notice it even says treating them in ways other than humanely will result in us just providing “grist for the insurgent’s propaganda mill.”  Seems to me that’s precisely what’s happened.  Many times.  No wonder they included it in the rules of engagement for our troops.  Because it’s true!

[via Andrew]